What changes take place when a candle burns?
During the combustion of a candle, oxygen combines with the
hydrogen and carbon, to produce the products of energy, carbon
dioxide and water. The oxygen for the reaction comes from the
atmosphere and the initial heat source comes from a match. The
candle is a hydrocarbon so the hydrogen and carbon for the reaction
comes from the wax and wick. The heat energy from the reaction is
released when bonds between the carbon and oxygen and hydrogen and
oxygen are formed. The reactants during the combustion of a candle
are oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen and thermal energy. The products
are thermal energy, carbon dioxide, and water.