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Combustion
The chemical change that occurs is that the atoms move around with the chemical change. Whereas the physical change will keep the candle moving in a normal way.
Oxidation.
The Hydrocarbon composition of the wax varies and is a mix of C20 to C40 so an exact equation can not be given. However, it is a standard combustion reaction. i.e. CxHy + (x + y/4) O2 ---> (y/2) H2O + (x) CO2

The little numbers (subscripts) are coefficients. A chemistry reaction is like a math equation: whatever is on one side has to equal whatever is on the opposite side. The coefficients take care of that. They look confusing in the reaction shown because they are letters, but if you stick numbers in there it would be much easier to understand. Let us use an example of C25 which would be C25H52.

C25H52 + 38 O2 ------- 25CO2 + 26 H2O + energy (heat and light)

When you burn a candle, you are performing simple combustion reactions of this type. The oxygen comes from the air and the heat initially comes from an outside source such as a match. When this combustion reaction happens, it makes water and carbon dioxide as shown as well as heat and light energy. The coefficients tell us how much of each component is used and produced.

The wick in a candle is also mainly hydrocarbon with oxygen also present and this also burns though at a much slower rate. When you light the wick, you provide a heat source and oxygen from the air. The smoke formed contains carbon dioxide and water and also some soot from inneficient combustion.

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6y ago
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12y ago

Well wax are long chain hydrocarbons and in the combustion reaction, if complete combustion were to occur, would produce water and carbon dioxide. However with a lack of oxygen, carbon monoxide gas, soot would be produced.

And in English that means...

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16y ago

Chemical =the candle burns Phisycal=the wax melt

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12y ago

the chemical change occurs when the wick burns, because you can't unburn the wick. but a physical change is when the wax melts, because you can make the wax hard again.

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13y ago

Candles are made out of paraffin or beeswax, both of which are hydrocarbons. Burning converts them into carbon dioxide, water vapor, soot and heat.

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11y ago

When a candle is burnt, the flame and the wan get oxidised for combustion and carbon dioxide is released.

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11y ago
  • When the wick burns, that is a chemical change, because you can't unburn the wick. :D Enjoy My Friends!
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13y ago

the candle burns

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6y ago

The organic material is burned.

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Q: What is a chemical change when a candle burns?
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What physical and chemical changes occur when a wax candle burn?

Some wax burns, and as it does so, chemical changes occurs. Wax converts to CO2, CO, and H2O. That is an exothermic reaction The rest of the wax melts with the increased temperature. That is the physical change.


Is lighting a chemical change?

Yes. While act of melting wax is a physical change, because you can remould it, the wax is actually what is primarily burned as fuel. You cannot unburn the wick nor the consumed wax. Remember, if it can be redone, it is probably physical and vice versa.The wick of a candle is used to light it and is used as a medium for burning the wax. As the wax is heated, it is soaked into the burning wick. As the fire burns the wax on the wick, more melted wax is absorbed into by the wick. As the wax burns down, so does the wick.


In a candle explain both changes using the big idea of energy?

When a candle is burnt a physical AND chemical change takes place. Its a physical change when the wax is being melted because the chemical structure has not change, meaning it cannot be a chemical change. Its also a chemical change because you are burning the string. When you burn something the chemical structure DOES change, meaning it is a chemical change.


Mass does not change during a chemical change how about for a physical change?

Physical changes are like cutting paper. The mass does not change. Chemical changes do not change total mass either. If you put a candle in a sealed container so that you may measure the total mass of the candle and the air before burning, then light the candle electrically but keep everything sealed, the total mass after burning will still be the same. But if you measure only the candle, then its mass has changed. So the mass of one single 'ingredient' will change during a chemical change.


Which part of the candle burns?

In a traditional candle, the part that burns is the wick. The wick is typically a braided or twisted cord made from natural fibers, such as cotton or hemp, or sometimes from a blend of natural and synthetic materials. If you happen to have time, Please check Ohcans candle. We have more details about candle on our blogpost.

Related questions

When the wick burns and the candle melts is it a chemical or physical change?

it is a chemical change


When a black soot formed as a candle burns is it a chemical change?

Yes. That is a chemical change.


when a candle is lit it undergoes a chemical change?

That is correct, a candle (or the material of which it is composed, which is usually paraffin) undergoes a chemical change when it burns.


What physical and chemical changes occur when a wax candle burn?

Some wax burns, and as it does so, chemical changes occurs. Wax converts to CO2, CO, and H2O. That is an exothermic reaction The rest of the wax melts with the increased temperature. That is the physical change.


Why is melting of covered candle a physical change while burning of a candle wick a chemical change?

This is because a candle will change its whole form and stay that way, which is a physical outer change. And a candle wick only burns, it doesn't change it's appearance.


What is the physical and chemical change that occurs when a birthday candle is lit on a cake?

There are multiple physical changes and chemical changes that occur when a candle burns. One physical change is that the candle melts back into liquid wax. One chemical change is flame burning on the wick.


When a candle burns in air which change occurs first-physical or chemical?

chemical change occurs first. because first oxygen help in burning and form carbon-di-oxide which is a chemical change


Why are burning candle and rusting nails examples of chemical change?

Burning candles and the rusting of nails are examples of chemical changes owing to the fact that there are chemical reactions occurring and new chemical compounds are being formed as the reaction continues.When a candle burns, the wax and wick of the candle are undergoing combustion and (ideally) being chemically changed into carbon dioxide and water, which are two completely new chemical substances than were present in the candle. In the case of the nail, iron in the steel alloy from which the nail is made is combining with oxygen to form a chemical compound not present in the nail, namely iron oxide.


How does a candle change physically?

As a candle burns, the candle becomes smaller as the wax melts.


What form of energy is being used as a candle burns?

The chemical energy stored in the candle wax.


What is a chemical change in a candle?

Most candles are made from a hydrocarbon called parafin; it burns, producing carbon dioxide and water vapor.


What is the physical change in candle burns?

Melting is the physical change.