ELi5: Why do some candles burn longer than others, even when they’re the same size?

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Two candles.
Same size.
Different brands.
What’s in them that make some burn longer than others?

In: Chemistry

3 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Could be different densities or types of wax that affect the burn speed. Size of the wick, and therefore size of the flame, is also going to play a role in how quickly the candle burns. I’m guessing that maybe room temperature could affect the longevity of the candle to; the warmer it is, the less heat energy is needed to melt the next bit of wax, so it might burn more intensely and faster. Theoretically, in a closed room, the candle would burn slower as time went on, as it consumed more and more oxygen.

Anonymous 0 Comments

They may have different types of wax blends, their wicks may be different sizes or makes, the atmospheric conditions of environment may be playing a role, or the burn may simply be off for one such as the flame not pulling enough wax, burning the wick, and the smaller wick now burns much dimmer and much slower as a result.

However assuming identical conditions it’s most often the wax and wick size that determines how long the candle lasts. Some candles also have additives that slow down or speed up combustion depending on what the candle maker wants out of the product.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Even if its two candles that are as close to identical as physically possible. There will still be differences in burn rate due to environmental factors.

Drafts, Air pressure and humidity will all play a part in burn time.