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A candle is a source of light, and sometimes a source of heat, consisting of a
solid block of fuel (commonly wax) and an embedded wick.
Prior to the mid-19th century, most candles were made from tallow (a by-product
of beef-fat rendering). Nowadays, they are usually made from wax. Paraffin wax
is the most common, but there are also candles made from gel, soya and beeswax.
A candle manufacturer is traditionally known as a chandler. Various devices have
been invented to hold candles, from simple tabletop candle holders, to elaborate
chandeliers.
The heat of the match used to light the candle melts and vaporizes a small
amount of fuel. Once vaporized, the fuel combines with oxygen in the atmosphere
to form a flame. This flame provides sufficient heat to keep the candle burning
via a self-sustaining chain of events: the heat of the flame melts the top of
the mass of solid fuel, the liquefied fuel then moves upward through the wick
via capillary action, and the liquefied fuel is then vaporized to burn within
the candle's flame.
The burning of the fuel takes place in several distinct regions (as evidenced by
the various colors that can be seen within the candle's flame). Within the bluer
regions, hydrogen is being separated from the fuel and burned to form water
vapor. The brighter, yellower part of the flame is the remaining carbon being
oxidized to form carbon dioxide.
As the mass of solid fuel is melted and consumed, the candle grows shorter.
Portions of the wick that are not evaporating the liquid fuel are consumed in
the flame, limiting the exposed length of the wick and keeping the temperature
and rate of fuel consumption even. Some wicks require manual trimming with
scissors or a wick trimmer for even burning.