How exactly does a candle keep its flame for so long?
by 
JackTechno
ANSWERS: 4
-
It consumes the wax as fuel, the wick is not the primary burning element.
-
i could wax lyrical but i will taper off and keep it light
-
Capillary action and the wax is fuel for the flame. +5
-
The top of the hard, slow-melting wax 'stick' is a barrier that slows down the burn-rate of the wick. If there was no wax stick the wick would burn down much faster. Also the molten wax gets drawn up into the wick by capilliary action. By thus wetting the wick, it prevents the wick from being burnt up quickly like a dry piece of string would.
Azlotto RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC