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Why does paraffin burn?

Updated: 9/21/2023
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Q: Why does paraffin burn?
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Why is it dangerous to burn paraffin in a poorly ventilated room?

There is not enough oxygen for the paraffin to burn fully, producing poisonous carbon monoxide instead of non-toxic carbon dioxide.


Why does paraffin burn with a dirty flame?

It doesn't, always. Sometimes it does. Paraffin is a series of complex hydrocarbons of varying lengths. C31H64 is one common paraffin chain. Several different chains may also contain other elements. Often, paraffin molecules are notated as CxHxXx, where the xs are replaced with the number of elements in the chain and the X is an added element. Most paraffin waxes used for burning are done so as candles, these paraffins are usually highly refined, containing mostly carbon and hydrogen atoms. These paraffins typically burn with a clean smokeless flame. The reason candles burn with a smoky flame are two fold. First the wick which is often cotton thread doesn't burn cleanly. Secondly, the paraffin itself, doesn't burn completely, due to a lack of sufficient oxygen in the 'combustion zone'. This lack of oxygen creates a yellow-orange flame, an incandescent light, which is the primary purpose of a candle. This incomplete combustion aside from producing light, also produces "soot", or smoke, the result of unburnt carbon atoms. This is the source of a 'dirty' flame. If enough oxygen were present or added to the flame by mechanical means the paraffin would burn completely and with a nearly invisible blue flame giving off little to no light. This is why candles (and lanterns) burn with smoky flames.


What is the percentage of paraffin in paraffin wax?

It is almost 100% paraffin, it is made from wax and water.


Does white candles burn faster than colored what are the materials?

Candles are all different and burn at different rates, but the color is not a factor. The amount of paraffin/beeswax, and the thickness of the wick primarily determine how fast a candle burns.


How do you put PARAFFIN in a sentence?

I have made candles using paraffin wax. Paraffin oil is kerosene.

Related questions

Is it harmful to burn paraffin in the form of a candle?

Paraffin wax candles have been around for centuries. Most candles are made from paraffin.


Why is it dangerous to burn paraffin in a poorly ventilated room?

There is not enough oxygen for the paraffin to burn fully, producing poisonous carbon monoxide instead of non-toxic carbon dioxide.


Why do gardeners sometimes burn paraffin oil?

Paraffin oil is considered as Horticultural Oils, which is burned for the purpose of pest control in the garden.


How does burning parraffin in a greenhouse help plants photosynthesise?

Burning paraffin produces carbon dioxide, which is needed for photosynthesis.


The substances in paraffin do not chage when a candle burns?

When candles burn, new substances form.


Why does paraffin burn with a dirty flame?

It doesn't, always. Sometimes it does. Paraffin is a series of complex hydrocarbons of varying lengths. C31H64 is one common paraffin chain. Several different chains may also contain other elements. Often, paraffin molecules are notated as CxHxXx, where the xs are replaced with the number of elements in the chain and the X is an added element. Most paraffin waxes used for burning are done so as candles, these paraffins are usually highly refined, containing mostly carbon and hydrogen atoms. These paraffins typically burn with a clean smokeless flame. The reason candles burn with a smoky flame are two fold. First the wick which is often cotton thread doesn't burn cleanly. Secondly, the paraffin itself, doesn't burn completely, due to a lack of sufficient oxygen in the 'combustion zone'. This lack of oxygen creates a yellow-orange flame, an incandescent light, which is the primary purpose of a candle. This incomplete combustion aside from producing light, also produces "soot", or smoke, the result of unburnt carbon atoms. This is the source of a 'dirty' flame. If enough oxygen were present or added to the flame by mechanical means the paraffin would burn completely and with a nearly invisible blue flame giving off little to no light. This is why candles (and lanterns) burn with smoky flames.


What gas is produced when you burn paraffin?

Both carbon dioxide and water are produced as gases when paraffin is burned, but of these two, only the carbon dioxide is still a gas when it equilibrates to standard temperature and pressure.


What makes a white and colored candle burn?

Not depending on the color, it's always the wax that lets the candle burn. Near the flame, the wax melts until its gaseous and this paraffin gas is burned.


What is paraffin examination?

paraffin is , you can say that paraffin is candle just extract it's thread and your paraffin is ready to use


Does soy wax burn faster than paraffin wax?

The simple answer is NO, Actually it is the other way around, Soy wax burns up to around 50% longer than paraffin and is therefore much more cost affective than cheaper paraffin candles


A paraffin wax candle is used to heat up a can of water. The candle had a mass of 15.75g before the burn and 14.20g after the burn The can contained 250.0 of water at an initial temperature of 13.0 C?

A paffin wax candle is used to heat up a can of water. The candle had a mass of 15.75g before the burn and 14.20g after the burn. The can contained 250.0 of water at an initial temperature of 13.0 C. What is the heat of combustion in kJ/g of paraffin? The specific heat capacity of water is 4.184 J/(g C)


What is the percentage of paraffin in paraffin wax?

It is almost 100% paraffin, it is made from wax and water.