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Scent-sational! Trivia Quiz

Candles were essential to the livelihood of our ancestors. Today we use them for a variety of reasons. This quiz examines the history of candles from past to present.

A multiple-choice quiz by November4. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
November4

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
385,345

Updated
May 12 23

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Easy

Avg Score
8 / 10

Plays
683

Awards
Top 35% Quiz

Last 3 plays: Guest 80 (10/10), kkt (9/10), rlandi1 (8/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. The ancient Roman people began making candles by melting animal fat. They used hemp or flax as a wick and coated it in the fat. What animal fat did the ancient Romans use to dip the wick in? Hint

paraffin

soy

tallow

beeswax

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. An advancement in candle making came in the middle ages when people began to make them from a product made by workers in a hive. Candles made with this substance emitted a more pleasing aroma. What product did the people of the middle ages use to make candles? Hint

tallow

lard

soy

beeswax

NEXT>

Question 3 of 10

3. Another change to candle making came in the 18th century. A product called spermaceti became accessible. This product was made by granulating the oil of an ocean dweller. What animal did spermaceti derived from? Hint

shark

sperm whale

turtle

sponge

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. By the 19th century a machine was invented by which candles were cast and ejected when set. This process retained the look of homemade candles and made them more obtainable and less expensive for people to light their paths. Who was the man who invented this machine? Hint

Ben Franklin

Joseph Morgan

Thomas Edison

John Glen

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. A process discovered by a Scottish chemist named James Young, created a product used to make candles beginning in 1850. It was created by refining coal shale and separating a natural substance that made candles burn clear. What did James discover? Hint

gel wax

soy wax

paraffin wax

palm wax

NEXT>

Question 6 of 10

6. With the 19th century came a better type of wick. It was firmly plaited and permitted the whole candle to be used up. What was this new type of wick called? Hint

braided wick

arched wick

swirled wick

looped wick

NEXT>

Question 7 of 10

7. Candle use gradually ebbed after the invention of kerosene and the light bulb but during the 1980s, decorative and scented candles started to become popular along with a new type of wax adapted from a legume. What type of wax is made from a legume? Hint

soy wax

beeswax

gel wax

ear wax

NEXT>

Question 8 of 10

8. Making your own candles at home is a great hobby that allows you to choose the type of wax, scent and container. Pre-made wicks are widely available in craft stores or online. A popular scent to be added to a candle would be this spice that comes from the bark of a tree. What spice is it? Hint

vanilla

cinnamon

cherry

bay berry

NEXT>

Question 9 of 10

9. When cool, this type of wax has a glassy appearance. It is derived from vegetable fatty acids that are extracted in a way that resembles the way olive oil is extracted. What is this type of wax?
Hint

paraffin

beeswax

tallow

palm wax

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. A new type of candle is made with an ingredient that has the consistency of gelatin. It is made of mineral oil and polymer resin. This type of candle is translucent and comes in many different scents. What is this new, versatile material called? Hint

paraffin

soy

gel

beeswax

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The ancient Roman people began making candles by melting animal fat. They used hemp or flax as a wick and coated it in the fat. What animal fat did the ancient Romans use to dip the wick in?

Answer: tallow

Tallow is a fat that comes from cattle or sheep. A candle was made by immersing the wick, over and over until it had several layers of cooled tallow. These candles gave light but didn't smell very pleasant and put out a lot of smoke.

Answer: beeswax

It was expensive to make candles from beeswax. They were mainly used by the clergy, who used them in religious ceremonies and the wealthy were able to obtain them. Candles made with beeswax gave off a glow with less smoke.

Answer: sperm whale

The whaling industry was popular in the 18th century. Candles made with spermaceti burned brighter and were more heat resistant then previously made candles which meant they would hold up better in warm temperatures.

Answer: Joseph Morgan

Joseph Morgan was born in England and trained to work as a pewter. In 1834, he was credited with inventing a process to industrialize production of wicks and candles. According to his patent, his invention would produce 1500 candles in one hour.

Answer: paraffin wax

Paraffin wax candles were given a boost by adding stearin. Stearin gave paraffin candles a harder texture and gave them a higher melting point. These candles were economical and did not have an odor.

6. With the 19th century came a better type of wick. It was firmly plaited and permitted the whole candle to be used up. What was this new type of wick called?

Answer: braided wick

Before the 19th century, candle wicks were made from various materials such as hemp, papyrus and flax. The use of the braided wick greatly improved lighting and less attention was needed to be given to its safety due to sputtering.

Answer: soy wax

While oil and coal reserves are shrinking, soybeans are bountiful. Soy candles come in an abundance of sensational scents and colors and set the mood for enjoyment or relaxation.

Answer: cinnamon

The sweet aroma from a cinnamon scented candle can sharpen cognizance and ward off mosquitoes. To make your own candle, choose your wax, wick, scent and container.

Answer: palm wax

Candles made with palm wax are derived from the fruit of palm trees. The fruit is pressed to extract oil and the fat is separated from the liquid. Candles that are made from palm wax have a distinct crystalline appearance and have a lengthy burn time. Because this wax is is produced from palm fruit, it is organic.

Answer: gel

When making a gel candle, one should use a higher density gel for stronger scents. Gel candles burn longer and add a wonderful, scented addition to your home decor. Choose the scent to suit your lifestyle and add a glowing ambiance to your abode.

Source: Author November4

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor WesleyCrusher before going online.
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