what happens to candles when they burn

When candles burn, several processes occur:

1. Melting Wax: The heat from the flame melts the solid wax near the wick. As the wax melts, it forms a pool of liquid wax.

2. Vaporization: The melted wax is drawn up the wick by capillary action. Once it reaches the flame, the heat vaporizes the wax, turning it into a gas.

3. Combustion: The wax vapor mixes with oxygen in the air and ignites, producing the flame. This combustion process generates heat, light, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.

4. Wick Consumption: The wick also burns slowly, but it’s primarily the wax that fuels the candle. A properly trimmed wick ensures an efficient burn, while a wick that’s too long can produce soot and smoke.

5. Soot and Residue: Incomplete combustion can lead to soot, which may collect on surfaces near the candle. This is more common with scented or colored candles.

6. Heat Generation: The burning candle releases heat, which helps melt more wax, creating a cycle that sustains the flame until the wax is depleted or the wick burns out.

7. Fragrance Release: If the candle is scented, the heat also helps release the fragrance, allowing it to disperse into the air.

Overall, the burning of a candle involves a combination of physical changes (melting) and chemical reactions (combustion).