CANDLE FLAME. 77 



Q. Describe the different parts of the FLAME of 

 a common CANDLE. 



A. The flame consists of three cones. 

 The innermost cone is hollow; the 

 intermediate cone of a dingy purple hue ; 

 and the outside cone is yellow. 



Q. Why is the intermediate cone of a flame 

 PURPLE, as well as the BOTTOM of the flame. 



A. Because the gases are not in a 

 state of perfect combustion ; but contain 

 an excess of hydrogen, which gives this 

 cone a purple tinge. 



Q. Why is not the MIDDLE cone in a state of 

 perfect combustion, as well as the OUTER cone ? 



A. Because the outer cone prevents 

 the oxygen of the air from getting freely 

 to the middle of the cone; and without 

 the free access of oxygen gas, there is 

 no such thing as complete combustion. 



Q. Why does the FLAME of a candle point 

 UPWARDS ? 



A. The flame heats the surrounding 

 air, which (being hot) rapidly ascends, 

 and drives the flame upwards at the 

 same time. 



Q. Why is the FLAME of a candle POINTED at 

 the top, like a cone ? H 3 



