When you light a candle, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick. This liquid wax is then drawn up the wick by capillary action. The heat of the flame vaporizes the liquid wax (turns it into a hot gas) and starts to break down the hydrocarbons into molecules of hydrogen and carbon. These vaporized molecules are drawn up into the flame, where they react with oxygen from the air to create heat, light, water vapor (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2).
Candles Use Combustion
When a candle is lit, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick. This liquid wax is drawn up the wick where the heat of the flame vaporizes it, breaking the hydrocarbons down into molecules of hydrogen and carbon.
Understanding Wax
The heat of the flame vaporizes the liquid wax (turns it into a hot gas) and starts to break down the hydrocarbons into molecules of hydrogen and carbon. These vaporized molecules are drawn up into the flame, where they react with oxygen from the air to create heat, light, water vapor (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2). The molten wax is drawn up the wick by capillary action. When you light a candle, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick.
Why Does the Flame Point up?
The heat of the flame vaporizes the liquid wax (turns it into a hot gas) and starts to break down the hydrocarbons into molecules of hydrogen and carbon. These vaporized molecules are drawn up into the flame, where they react with oxygen from the air to create heat, light, water vapor (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2). This liquid wax is drawn up the wick by capillary action. When you light a candle, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the process of combustion?
2. What are the products of combustion?
3. What happens to the products of combustion?
4. What are the benefits of using candles?
5. What are the risks of using candles?
6. How can I prevent my candles from causing a fire?
7. How can I extinguish a candle fire?
8. What should I do if I accidentally start a fire with a candle?
9. How can I make my own candles?
10. What are some tips for using candles safely?
1. Combustion is a chemical reaction that occurs when a fuel is combined with oxygen to produce heat and light.
2. The products of combustion are carbon dioxide, water vapor, and heat.
3. The products of combustion are released into the atmosphere.
4. Candles can provide ambiance, relaxation, and stress relief. They can also be used for practical purposes such as providing light during a power outage.
5. Candles can pose a fire hazard if not used properly. Improper use of candles is the leading cause of home candle fires.
6. To prevent candles from causing a fire, always keep them away from flammable objects, never leave them unattended, and extinguish them before leaving the room.
7. To extinguish a candle fire, blow it out or use a fire extinguisher.
8. If you accidentally start a fire with a candle, call 911 and evacuate the area.
9. You can make your own candles by melting wax and pouring it into a mold.
10. Some tips for using candles safely include: keeping them away from flammable objects, never leaving them unattended, and extinguishing them before leaving the room.
Final thoughts
When you light a candle, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick. The molten wax then flows up the wick because it is a liquid, and at the same time the heat of the flame vaporizes the liquid wax, producing a hot gas. That gas is composed of vaporized wax, hydrogen gas from the burning of the wick, and oxygen gas from the air.