Why do candles flicker? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

genuinegirly · 01-29-2008, 04:44 PM

Was watching my candle in its little glass jar last night. There was no way breeze could get to it. Which made me wonder: why is it flickering?

I figured it had something to do with oxygen availability. Or air currents. Possibly something about imperfections in the wick. I have no clue. Please do inform me, if you happen to know!

allaboutmusic · 01-29-2008, 04:50 PM

Awesome question. I did a quick Google and found this:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ask A Scientist

Breakdown of the wick or inconsistencies in the parafin (wax) that disrupts the burning of the parafin.

http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasc...9/gen99544.htm

Makes sense to me. You don't see it with oil lamps.

genuinegirly · 01-29-2008, 05:03 PM

Thanks, allaboutmusic!

allaboutmusic · 01-29-2008, 05:07 PM

Thanks for asking. You've given me a piece of trivia with which to make a romantic candelit dinner decidedly awkward!

Hain · 01-29-2008, 10:13 PM

Hmmm I always figured unpredictable fluid movement of the air going into the candle and the heat rising out would play some role.

Fluid mechanics/dynamics is such a pain.

allaboutmusic · 01-29-2008, 11:20 PM

Gotta admit that's what I used to think too.

Hain · 01-30-2008, 12:11 AM

Let's assume that plays some factor- insane to think the pure chaos of fluid dynamics wouldn't go to play a part of something as chaotic as a flickering candle.

We just wont acknowledge how much of a roll- spoken as the butterfly flaps its wings causing the storm on the other side of the world.

01-29-2008, 04:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
genuinegirly Eat your vegetables Super Moderator Location: Arabidopsis-ville	Why do candles flicker? Was watching my candle in its little glass jar last night. There was no way breeze could get to it. Which made me wonder: why is it flickering? I figured it had something to do with oxygen availability. Or air currents. Possibly something about imperfections in the wick. I have no clue. Please do inform me, if you happen to know! __________________ "Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy

01-29-2008, 05:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
genuinegirly Eat your vegetables Super Moderator Location: Arabidopsis-ville	Thanks, allaboutmusic! __________________ "Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy

01-29-2008, 10:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
Hain has a plan Location: middle of Whywouldanyonebethere	Hmmm I always figured unpredictable fluid movement of the air going into the candle and the heat rising out would play some role. Fluid mechanics/dynamics is such a pain. __________________ ////\\// IRONSKY.NET \\//\\\\

01-30-2008, 12:11 AM	#7 (permalink)
Hain has a plan Location: middle of Whywouldanyonebethere	Let's assume that plays some factor- insane to think the pure chaos of fluid dynamics wouldn't go to play a part of something as chaotic as a flickering candle. We just wont acknowledge how much of a roll- spoken as the butterfly flaps its wings causing the storm on the other side of the world. __________________ ////\\// IRONSKY.NET \\//\\\\

01-29-2008, 05:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
allaboutmusic Aurally Fixated	Thanks for asking. You've given me a piece of trivia with which to make a romantic candelit dinner decidedly awkward!

01-29-2008, 11:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
allaboutmusic Aurally Fixated	Gotta admit that's what I used to think too.