What is a candle?
Q: What is a candle?
A: A candle is a stick made of wax with a string (a thin piece of rope) straight in the middle. When someone puts the string on fire, the flame burns slowly but for a long time.
Q: How does the fire burn on a candle?
A: The fire melts the wax instead of burning the string fast. The melted wax sometimes drips down the side of the candle and when it gets far from the flame, it gets hard again and can be used again in a new candle.
Q: How hot is the flame on a candle?
A: The light blue part of the flame can be as hot as 1,400°C (2,550°F). It can still burn people and things if it spreads and grows into a very big fire that could even burn down houses or buildings.
Q: What happens to candles over time?
A: If kept on long enough, candles will slowly get shorter and shorter until they are gone.
Q: How do you put out a candle's fire?
A: You can put out a candle's fire by blowing air on it or using something called a "candle snuffer" which covers it with small metal cup to stop its burning until it is all gone.
Q: Why were candles used before light bulbs?
A: Before light bulbs were invented, candles were used so people could see at night. Some people still use them today when electricity is down or because they like how little amount of light they make.
Q: What are citronella candles used for?
A: Citronella candles are special kinds of candles that help keep bugs away.
