Why does a candle flicker?

Question

Why does a candle flicker?

Answer 1

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

disrupts the burning of the parafin.

Answer 2

The heat of the match used to light the candle melts and vaporizes a small amount of fuel. Once vaporized, the fuel combines with oxygen in the atmosphere to form a flame. This flame provides sufficient heat to keep the candle burning via a self-sustaining chain of events: the heat of the flame melts the top of the mass of solid fuel, the liquified fuel then moves upward through the wick via capillary action, and the liquified fuel is then vaporized to burn within the candle's flame.

The burning of the fuel takes place in several distinct regions (as evidenced by the various colors that can be seen within the candle's flame). Within the bluer regions, hydrogen is being separated from the fuel and burned to form water vapor. The brighter, yellower part of the flame is the remaining carbon being oxidized to form carbon dioxide.

As the mass of solid fuel is melted and consumed, the candle grows shorter. Portions of the wick that are not evaporating the liquid fuel are consumed in the flame, limiting the exposed length of the wick and keeping the temperature and rate of fuel consumption even. Some wicks require manual trimming with scissors or a wick trimmer for even burning.

Answer 3

air moving the flame you doughnut lol  

Answer 4

Because it get blown about by wind.

Answer 5

Wind. Woosh.

Answer 6

disturbance in the atmosphere.

Answer 7

It's not the candle that flickers, it is the flame and that is because of the air that is circulating in the room.

If you place the candle in a small room like a bathroom and no air movement and the door shut you will see the flame will not move, thus not giving the effects of flickering.

:-)