Maddie James
Candles have been used for centuries in sacred ceremonies, to induce a cosy atmosphere, and as a source of light. The process of combustion in a candle is self-sustaining. When a candle is lit, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick, which is then drawn up the wick and vaporized. The vaporized molecules react with oxygen in the air to create heat, light, water vapour, and carbon dioxide. The hottest part of the flame is blue, reaching temperatures of about 1400°C, and is where the hydrocarbon molecules break apart into hydrogen and carbon atoms. The yellow colour of the flame is due to radiative emission from hot soot particles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Heat | Melts the wax near the wick |
| Heats the nearby air, causing it to rise and be replaced by cooler air and oxygen | |
| Melts the top of the wax, which moves up the wick to be burned | |
| Light | Produced by the combustion of hydrocarbons |
| The yellow colour is due to radiative emission from hot soot particles | |
| The blue colour is due to chemiluminescence | |
| Smoke | Caused by unburned carbon particles (soot) escaping from the flame due to incomplete combustion |
| Wick | Requires trimming to 1/4 inch to prevent uneven burning, dripping, flaring and sooting |
| Should be trimmed every couple of hours to prolong the life of the candle | |
| In pre-19th-century candles, required regular trimming with scissors or "snuffers" to promote steady burning and prevent smoking | |
| Modern wicks are constructed to curve over and trim themselves through incineration | |
| Health | Burning candles in a closed room can produce small amounts of carbon monoxide, potentially causing mild exposure symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea |
| Smells and fire have a positive effect on the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety | |
| Uses | Symbolism in sacred ceremonies and religious celebrations |
| Relaxation and tranquility | |
| Enhancing romance and passion | |
| Creating a cosy and warm atmosphere |
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What You'll Learn
How does a candle work?
A candle is a simple yet efficient combustion machine. When lit, the flame of a candle is a self-sustaining cycle that transforms solid wax into heat, light, water vapour, and carbon dioxide.
The process begins with lighting the candle's wick, which melts and vaporises a small amount of fuel (the wax). This liquid wax is then drawn up the wick by capillary action. The heat of the flame vaporises the liquid wax, turning it into a hot gas, and breaking down the hydrocarbons into molecules of hydrogen and carbon. These vapour molecules are then drawn up into the flame, where they react with oxygen from the air to create heat, light, water vapour, and carbon dioxide. This combustion process is self-sustaining, as the heat created radiates in all directions, melting more wax to fuel the flame.
The flame of a candle has distinct zones, each with its own characteristics. At the base of the flame is a blue area, which is the hottest part of the flame, reaching temperatures of around 1400°C. This is where the hydrocarbon molecules first break apart, and hydrogen reacts with oxygen to form water vapour. Above this is a small dark orange-brown section, where carbon continues to break down and form hardened carbon particles. As these particles rise, they are heated to around 1000°C, and at the bottom of the yellow zone, the formation of soot particles increases. These particles ignite to incandescence, emitting a full spectrum of visible light, which is perceived as yellowish by the human eye.
The combustion process of a candle can be affected by factors such as airflow and the amount of fuel. If the flame receives too little or too much air or fuel, it may flicker or flare, and unburned carbon particles (soot) may escape as smoke. To ensure a clean and steady burn, it is recommended to trim the wick to a certain length and remove any debris before lighting the candle.
Candles have been used by various cultures throughout history, often as a symbol of faith, romance, or relaxation. They have been valued for their ability to create a calm and tranquil atmosphere, and their soft light is considered easier on the eyes compared to bright sunlight.
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The history of candles
The use of candles dates back to ancient times, with the earliest use often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians, who created rushlights by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. These did not have a wick and thus were not true candles, but they served as a source of contained light. In ancient Greece, small torches or candles were offered to the moon goddess Artemis, which may be the origin of the tradition of putting candles on birthday cakes. Objects resembling candlesticks have been found in Babylonian and middle Minoan cultures, as well as in the tomb of Tutankhamun, suggesting that candles may have been used as early as the early Bronze Age.
The Romans are thought to have made the first wicked candles by dipping a roll of papyrus wrapped around twine into tallow, a form of animal fat. However, other civilizations also developed wicked candles independently, using waxes made from local plants. The Chinese, for example, used rice paper as wicks, while Indian candles were made by boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree. In Europe, candles were primarily made from tallow and beeswax from the Roman period until the modern era. Beeswax candles were more expensive and were often limited to churches and the homes of the wealthy due to their pleasant smell and clean burn.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the growth of the whaling industry brought about a significant change in candlemaking. Spermaceti, a wax derived from sperm whale oil, became available in large quantities and was used to make candles that burned longer, brighter, and without the unpleasant odour of tallow. During the 19th century, large-scale industrial manufacturing techniques were introduced, and French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered how to extract stearic acid from animal fatty acids, leading to the development of stearin wax, which was hard, durable, and burned cleanly.
In the 20th century, the popularity of candles increased due to the growth of the U.S. oil and meatpacking industries, which produced the basic ingredients of candles – paraffin and stearic acid. In the 1980s and 1990s, consumer interest in candles as decorative items, mood-setters, and gifts surged, leading to the development of new types of candle waxes, such as soybean wax and palm wax.
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Candle safety
Candlelight has been a part of human celebrations for centuries, but it's important to remember that an open flame can be dangerous if not handled properly. Here are some safety tips to follow when using candles:
Never leave a burning candle unattended: Unattended candles are one of the leading causes of home fires. Always blow out candles when you leave a room or go to bed, and never use a candle as a night light or while you may fall asleep.
Keep candles away from flammable objects: Place candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, including curtains, furniture, paper, and decorations. Make sure to use a stable, heat-resistant candle holder that can catch any dripping wax.
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets: Ensure that curious children and playful pets cannot knock over candles or burn themselves.
Trim the wick: Before lighting a candle, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping, or flaring.
Maintain a safe distance between candles: When burning multiple candles, place them at least three inches apart to prevent them from melting each other or creating drafts that can cause improper burning.
Extinguish and relight if the flame flickers: If a candle's flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly, extinguish it, let it cool, trim the wick, and check for drafts before relighting.
Consider battery-operated flameless candles: These candles can look, smell, and feel like real candles without the risk of an open flame.
Use appropriate tools for extinguishing: Use a candle snuffer to safely extinguish a candle by depriving it of oxygen. Alternatively, blow out the candle, ensuring you don't inhale the harmful soot particles.
Be cautious during power outages: Flashlights and battery-powered lights are safer alternatives to candles during power failures. Never use candles to search in closets or when fueling equipment.
By following these safety guidelines, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of candles while minimizing the risk of accidents or fires.
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Candles for relaxation
Candles have been used for centuries to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. The soft, warm glow of a candle flame can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The gentle flickering of the flame and the soft light it emits can have a soothing effect on the mind and body.
The science behind candle combustion explains the calming effect candles can have. The flame of a candle is a result of the combustion of wax, which creates heat, light, water vapour, and carbon dioxide. The blue base of the flame, where oxygen meets the vapourised wax, is the hottest part, reaching temperatures of up to 1400°C. Above this is a small dark orange-brown section, where carbon continues to break down and form hardened particles that rise with the water vapour and carbon dioxide. In the yellow region, the most dominant colour due to the ignition of carbon, the flame reaches around 1000°C.
The warm glow of the flame, particularly the yellow and orange hues, can create a sense of comfort and relaxation. The soft light helps to reduce the stimulation of the senses, allowing the mind and body to ease into a state of calm.
Aromatherapy candles take relaxation a step further by incorporating soothing and natural essential oils. Scents like lavender and chamomile are known for their calming properties and can help prepare the mind and body for sleep. Lighting an aromatherapy candle and pairing it with a relaxing activity, such as a warm bath or meditation, can enhance the overall sense of calm and promote a good night's rest.
Whether it's the soft glow of a candle or the soothing scent of essential oils, candles have the power to transform a space into a relaxing haven, helping to ease stress and promote a sense of peace and tranquillity.
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The science of candle flames
These vapour molecules are then drawn into the flame, where they react with oxygen from the air. This reaction produces heat, light, water vapour, and carbon dioxide. The cycle of the flame heating the surrounding air, causing it to rise, and then cooler air and oxygen rushing in to replace it, creates a convection current. This gives the flame its characteristic teardrop shape. The blue base of the flame is where the oxygen-rich hydrocarbon molecules vaporise and break apart, and it is the hottest part of the flame, reaching temperatures of around 1400°C.
Above the blue base is a small dark orange-brown section, where carbon continues to break down and form hardened carbon particles. These particles, along with the water vapour and carbon dioxide, are heated to 1000°C. As they rise into the yellow region of the flame, they ignite and emit a full spectrum of visible light. The yellow colour is due to the radiative emission from the hot soot particles, and the human eye perceives the flame as yellowish.
The fourth and outermost zone of the flame is the faint blue veil, extending from the base upwards. It is important to note that proper candle care and safety guidelines should be followed when burning candles. Trimming the wick to a certain length and ensuring proper ventilation can help prevent excessive soot, dripping, and potential hazards such as carbon monoxide production.
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Frequently asked questions
The heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick, which is then drawn up the wick and vaporized. The vaporized molecules react with oxygen from the air to create heat, light, water vapour, and carbon dioxide.
The blue zone at the base of the flame is where hydrocarbon molecules vaporize and break apart into hydrogen and carbon atoms. Above this is a small dark orange-brown section, where carbon continues to break down and form hardened carbon particles. The large yellow region at the top is the hottest part of the flame, where carbon particles ignite and emit a full spectrum of visible light.
Always trim the wick to 1/4 inch and remove any debris from the wax pool before lighting a candle. Burning a candle for too long can cause carbon to collect on the wick, leading to an unstable flame and increased smoke and soot. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or doors, and avoid burning candles near flammable objects or crowded areas.
As a general rule, candles should burn for one hour per inch of diameter. For example, a 2-inch candle should burn for 2 hours. It is recommended that candles are not burned for longer than 4 hours at a time and are allowed to cool for at least 2 hours before relighting.
Lighting candles can create a cozy, relaxing, and romantic atmosphere. They can be used for relaxation, meditation, and improving focus and mood. In many cultures, candles are also used in sacred ceremonies and are seen as symbols of faith, enlightenment, and peace.
