From Wax to Wick

 

Candles have been used for centuries to provide light, warmth, and even aroma. They are a symbol of comfort, relaxation, and romance. Whether you light a candle during a power outage or create a cozy atmosphere during a dinner date, candles have a way of making us feel safe and comfortable. But have you ever wondered how candles are made, how they work, or why they come in so many shapes and sizes? In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of candles and answer some of these questions.

The history of candles

Candles have been around for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians are believed to have been the first to use candles, using rushlights made from reeds soaked in animal fat. The Romans also used candles made from tallow (animal fat) and beeswax. The Chinese made candles from whale fat, while the Japanese made them from wax extracted from the sumac tree.

In the Middle Ages, candles were made from beeswax or tallow and were mainly used for religious ceremonies. They were expensive and only the wealthy could afford them. It wasn't until the 19th century that candles became affordable and widely available, thanks to the invention of the mechanical candle-making machine.

How candles are made

Candles can be made from a variety of materials, including beeswax, soy wax, paraffin wax, and even vegetable oil. The most common material used for candles today is paraffin wax. This is a byproduct of the oil refining process and is relatively cheap and easy to work with.

To make a candle, the wax is melted and poured into a container, such as a jar or mold. A wick is then inserted into the center of the wax. The wick is usually made from cotton and is coated in wax to make it stiff and easier to handle.

Once the wax has cooled and solidified around the wick, the candle is ready to be used. Depending on the type of wax used, the candle may have a longer or shorter burn time and may emit different scents.

Different types of candles

Candles come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, each with its own unique purpose. Here are some of the most common types of candles:

1. Votive candles - small candles that are often used in religious or spiritual ceremonies.
2. Pillar candles - tall, cylindrical candles that are usually unscented and used for decoration.
3. Taper candles - long, thin candles that are often used in candlesticks for formal occasions.
4. Tea lights - small, round candles that are usually placed in holders and used for ambient lighting.
5. Scented candles - candles that are infused with fragrances to provide a pleasant aroma when burned.
6. Jar candles - candles that are poured into jars or other containers, often scented and used for relaxation or decoration.

The science of candles

Candles may seem simple, but there is actually a lot of science behind how they work. When a candle is lit, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick. This liquid wax is then drawn up the wick by capillary action, where it is vaporized by the heat of the flame. This vaporized wax combines with oxygen in the air to create a flame.

As the wax is consumed by the flame, the candle gets shorter and the flame gets smaller. Eventually, the flame will go out when there is no more wax left to burn.

Candles can also be used to demonstrate a variety of scientific principles, such as combustion, heat transfer, and even buoyancy.