The Science Behind Candles

Understanding candles through science involves studying the chemistry and physics behind how candles work. Candles are typically made of a different types and grades of wax, which is usually made beeswax, paraffin, soy palm, coconut wax. When the wick is lit, the heat melts the wax, which is drawn up the wick through capillary action.

Once the liquid wax reaches the flame, it undergoes a process called vaporization. Vaporization is the process of converting a substance from a liquid or solid state into a vapor or gas state. In the case of candles, when the liquid wax is drawn up through the wick exposed to the heat of the flame, it undergoes vaporization and turns into a gas that can be burned. The heat of the flame turns the liquid wax into a gas, which then reacts with oxygen in the air to produce carbon dioxide, water vapor, and heat. This heat sustains the flame and keeps the wick burning.

The color and scent of a candle can also be understood through science. Different types of wax and additives can be used to achieve specific colors and scents. Color drops or cubes used in candle making are typically made from concentrated dyes or pigments. These colorants are specifically formulated to be safe and heat-resistant, so they can be added to the wax without affecting its performance or burn quality. They come in different forms, such as liquid drops, powder or solid cubes, and are available in a wide range of colors to suit various preferences and creative designs. For example, pigments or dyes are often added to the wax to create colored candles, while fragrance oils or essential oils are infused into the wax to create scented candles.

The size and shape of a candle can also affect how it burns. The rate at which a candle burns is influenced by factors such as the diameter of the wick, the type and composition of the wax, and the presence of any additives. Scientists can study these factors to optimize candle design and improve burn times.

The size and shape of a candle can affect the burn because they can impact how heat is distributed and how the wax melts. Here are some ways in which size and shape can affect the burn:

1. Surface area: A larger surface area allows for more oxygen to reach the flame, resulting in a stronger and brighter burn. Conversely, a smaller surface area may result in a smaller flame and a slower burn.

2. Wax pool: The size and shape of the candle can determine the size and depth of the wax pool that forms as the candle burns. A wider candle with a shallow wax pool may burn faster, while a taller, narrower candle with a deeper wax pool may burn slower.

3. Heat dissipation: The shape of the candle can also affect how heat is dissipated. For example, candles with wider bases or multiple wicks may distribute heat more evenly, preventing uneven burning and tunneling. On the other hand, tall and narrow candles may concentrate heat towards the center, leading to tunneling if not properly burned.

4. Wick positioning: The position of the wick in relation to the size and shape of the candle can affect how efficiently the candle burns. If the wick is not centered or properly sized for the candle, it may burn unevenly, resulting in wasted wax and a shorter burn time.

Overall, the size and shape of a candle can impact the aesthetics, burn time, and performance of the candle. It's important to choose candles that are suitable for your intended use and follow proper burning instructions to ensure a safe and satisfactory burn.