It's because when the wax melts it releases a gas which is what burns. The wax itself doesn't burn, and the wick is just to keep it burning in a certain place. Which is why if you blow out a candle then light a match near it straight after it will re-light.
This is also why candles do actually use up the wax, even though the wax doesn't burn. Leave a candle lit for long enough and you'll come back to nothing but a burned up wick
Comments