Editing Candle (section)

===Wick===
{{main|Candle wick}}
[[File:Candle Wick.jpg|thumb|upright|Candle with unlit wick]]

A candle wick works by [[capillary action]], drawing ("wicking") the melted wax or [[fuel]] up to the flame. When the liquid fuel reaches the flame, it [[vaporize]]s and [[Combustion|combusts]]. The candle wick influences how the candle burns. Important characteristics of the wick include diameter, stiffness, [[Fireproofing|fire resistance]], and tethering.

A candle wick is a piece of string or cord that holds the flame of a candle. Commercial wicks are made from braided cotton. The wick's [[capillary action|capillarity]] determines the rate at which the melted hydrocarbon is conveyed to the flame. If the capillarity is too great, the molten wax streams down the side of the candle. Wicks are often infused with a variety of [[chemical]]s to modify their burning characteristics. For example, it is usually desirable that the wick not glow after the flame is extinguished. Typical agents are [[ammonium nitrate]] and [[ammonium sulfate]].<ref name= Ullmann/>