Candles have long served as a reliable source of light for people. Who often uses candles, he probably noticed that when burning, they can crack. What is the reason for this effect? In fact, the answer is quite simple.

Background

Initially, oil-filled or greasy-filled bowls were used as improvised lighting items, in which a piece of cloth, which served as a wick, was placed. However, in addition to light, such devices gave an unpleasant smell and soot.

After the invention, the candle quickly proved to be a more convenient lighting fixture. Until the 18th century, it was made from fat, wax, soaked papyrus and other similar substances.

They also smoked the ceiling, but did not emit an unpleasant odor. They also better illuminated the space. But because of the high cost of production, only rich people could allow them. And even then, they were used in large quantities only if necessary, because several hundred candles could go away at once to illuminate the rooms in the castle. The most expensive were those made from beeswax, since they almost did not smoke and did not smell.

Interesting fact: Cylindrical candles appeared only in the 15th century, when an appropriate mold was invented for their modeling.

In the XVIII century began an active hunt for whales. People quickly realized that whale oil was suitable for making candles. Its use significantly reduced the cost of production, so any resident could afford to buy several candles.

Modern candles

In 1820, they discovered the opportunity to get stearin wax from animal fats, which burned almost odorless and soot, and it was cheap. Within a few years, mass production of stearin candles was established, which began to be used even in poor homes.

At the beginning of the 20th century, people learned to extract paraffin from oil. The substance is a wax mixture consisting of saturated carbohydrates, and begins to melt already at 45 degrees.
The low cost of production, convenience and the almost complete lack of flaws quickly made paraffin candles very popular. An additional favorable factor was the rapid development of the oil industry.

With the advent of electricity, candles have long been used in villages and some urban areas where not everyone could afford light bulbs. Now candles are more a decoration than a source of light.

Why does a candle crack when burning?

As mentioned above, the answer to the question is quite simple. When burning, it is not the candle that crackles, but the water contained in paraffin or on the wick.

During production, moisture can enter the substance from which the candles are made. In paraffin, for example, it does not dissolve. Therefore, when the candle is lit, as the wick burns, the flame gradually gets to small droplets that quickly boil. At this moment, a steam explosion occurs, the sound of which is taken for cracking.

Interesting fact: sometimes the candle flame may not crack, but slightly flash.At the time of the outbreak, the oils that make up the paraffin burn up.

Moisture can appear on the outer surface of the candle by condensation if it is brought from a cool room to a warm one. In this case, crackling will also be heard.

Candle crackles due to moisture contained in paraffin. As it burns, the fire on the wick reaches the microdrops, which immediately boil, creating a steam microexplosion. The latter is just accompanied by a bang.