2006-08-31 04:29:08 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
As the air comes to the candle, it moves upward by the force of the current which the heat of the candle produces, and it so cools all the sides of the wax, tallow, or fuel as to keep the edge much cooler than the part within; the part within melts by the flame that runs down the wick as far as it can go before it is extinguished, but the part on the outside does not melt. If I made a current in one direction, my cup would be lop-sided, and the fluid would consequently run over; for the same force of gravity which holds worlds together holds this fluid in a horizontal position, and if the cup be not horizontal, of course the fluid will run away in guttering. You see, therefore, that the cup is formed by this beautifully regular ascending current of air playing upon all sides, which keeps the exterior of the candle cool. No fuel would serve for a candle which has not the property of giving this cup, except such fuel as the Irish bogwood, where the material itself is like a sponge and holds its own fuel
2006-09-02 02:45:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hot air is less dense that cool air, so the warm, less dense air is pushed upward by the weight (which creates pressure) of the cooler, more dense air around it.
2006-08-31 11:37:11 · answer #2 · answered by Randy G 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is filled with tiny fire-fairies and their wings carry them up.
2006-08-31 12:30:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
heat (hot air) rises theory.
2006-08-31 11:35:41 · answer #4 · answered by PunkGreen1829 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋