Wax facts for kids

Wax is a special kind of substance that can be found in nature or made by people. It is a type of organic chemical, which means it comes from living things or their remains. Wax is also a type of lipid, similar to fats and oils.

You might see wax in many everyday items. Think about candles, crayons, or even the coating on some fruits. It's a very useful material!

What Makes Wax Special?

Wax has some cool features that make it useful for many things:

• It feels soft and can be shaped easily when it's at room temperature.
• It melts when it gets warm, usually above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit).
• It does not mix with water. If you try to put wax in water, it just floats or stays separate.
• Wax is also "hydrophobic." This means it pushes water away and water is pushed away by it. This is why wax can be used to make things waterproof.

Where Does Wax Come From?

Waxes can be found in nature or made in factories.

• Natural Waxes: Some waxes are made by plants, animals, or even found in the ground.
  • Beeswax is a famous natural wax made by bees to build their honeycombs.
  • Plants also make waxes, like the waxy coating on leaves that helps them hold in water.
  • Paraffin wax comes from petroleum, which is found deep in the Earth.
  • Even our own bodies make wax! Earwax is a natural wax that helps protect our ears.

• Man-Made Waxes: Other waxes are created by people in factories for specific uses. These are often designed to have certain properties, like being extra hard or melting at a specific temperature.

How Do We Use Wax?

People use wax for many different purposes because of its unique properties:

• Candles: This is one of the most common uses. Wax burns slowly and steadily, giving off light.
• Crayons: Wax is mixed with colors to make crayons that are easy to draw with.
• Waterproofing: Wax can be used to make things waterproof, like Waxed paper or coatings for jackets.
• Polishes: Many floor and furniture polishes contain wax to give a shiny, protective layer.
• Art: Artists use wax for sculptures or for special painting techniques.
• Historical Use: In ancient times, people used Wax tablets to write on. These were wooden boards covered with a layer of wax.

Images for kids

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  Ceroline brand wax for floors and furniture, from the early 20th century.

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  A wax candle.

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  A lava lamp uses wax that melts and moves in cool shapes.

See also

In Spanish: Cera para niños