How Do Trick Candles Work?

TL;DR

Trick candles contain magnesium, which reignites the flame when blown out due to its lower ignition temperature.

Transcript

Candles work on a fairly simple and ingenious principle. The elements to sustain fire are concealed in one convenient package. The fuel is the container made of wax. The catalyst that heats up the fuel is the wick. Once lit, the wax that is surrounding the flame melts and is drawn into, and up the super absorbent wick. The closer the wax gets to th... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫠 Candles work by using a wick to draw melted wax, which vaporizes and burns.
• 😘 Trick candles contain a pyrophoric metal, like magnesium, to reignite the flame when blown out.
• 😀 "Happy Birthday" was copyrighted until 2015, when a lawsuit proved otherwise, making the song part of the public domain.
• 🥹 Jeanne Calment holds the record for the oldest verified person, living to 122 years and 164 days.
• 🌒 Different types of waxes, such as paraffin and beeswax, are used in candlemaking.
• 😘 Trick candles use a lower ignition temperature ingredient, such as magnesium, to reignite the flame when blown out.
• 🖐️ Telomeres play a role in determining the maximum lifespan of humans.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is it difficult to blow out trick candles?

Trick candles contain magnesium in the wick, which reignites the flame when blown out due to its lower ignition temperature. The rapid and high-temperature burning of magnesium ignites the paraffin wax vapor, continuing the burning process.

Q: What types of waxes are commonly used to make candles?

The most popular types of candle wax are paraffin, beeswax, tallow, bayberry, and soy. Paraffin wax, which is derived from crude oil and can be manufactured at different melting temperatures, is the most commonly used type.

Q: Why was "Happy Birthday" previously copyrighted?

"Happy Birthday" was copyrighted by Warner/Chappell Music until 2015. Warner/Chappell claimed to hold the copyright and charged businesses to use the song, earning millions annually. However, a class action lawsuit settled for $14 million revealed that they did not actually hold the copyright.

Q: What determines the maximum lifespan of humans?

Telomeres, which are protective caps at the end of chromosomes, shorten each time a cell divides. Eventually, telomeres become too short to provide an adequate buffer, leading to cell death. This limits the maximum lifespan of humans, estimated to be around 120 years.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Candles work by using a wick to draw melted wax, which vaporizes and burns. Different types of waxes, such as paraffin and beeswax, are used to make candles.

• Trick candles contain a pyrophoric metal, usually magnesium, in the wick. When blown out, the ember ignites the magnesium, causing the flame to reignite.

• The song "Happy Birthday" was copyrighted until 2015, when a lawsuit proved that Warner/Chappell Music did not hold the copyright. Jeanne Calment holds the record for the oldest verified person, living to 122 years and 164 days.