The burning of candles

Candles will melt when they burn in the air, producing a yellow-white flame. The flame is divided into three layers, and the outer layer has the highest temperature, producing a small amount of black smoke and releasing a lot of heat. A cold and dry beaker above the flame, and water droplets appear on the inner wall of the beaker; Cover the inner wall above the flame with a beaker filled with clarified limewater, and the clarified limewater becomes turbid. As the candle burns, the tears will be fixed in a certain position, forming a small pillar and sticking to the side of the candle. White smoke is produced when candles are extinguished. Igniting this wisp of white smoke with a burning match can rekindle the candle.

When the candle tears flow down from the edge of the candle, some places will be thicker than others, which is a good example of updraft at work. As the candle continues to burn, the tears will be fixed in a certain position, forming a small pillar and sticking to the side of the candle.

This is because when the column rises higher than other waxes or fuels, the surrounding air can better contact with it, and the faster it cools, the better it can resist the approaching heat.

Candle is a daily lighting tool, mainly made of paraffin. In ancient times, it was usually made of animal fat. Candles are also widely used: they are also important in birthday parties, religious festivals, collective mourning, weddings and funerals. In literary and artistic works, candles are symbolic of sacrifice and dedication.