Article #4 - Flame of Candle

Why is the flame of a candle pointed at the

top like a cone?

            One reason is that all bodies of flame expand themselves in proportion to the magnitude

of the cause which generate them, and as the wick or combustible substance which produce the flame is confined to the center, consequently the greater degree of heat is in the center, and as that extends upwards to a greater degree than outwards it therefore follows, that the surrounding atmosphere acts with greater force upon the upper portion of the flame and the same

cause that produces an upward or elongated tendency must in the nature of things cause it to terminate in a point.

                                    Edward G. Martin