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

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Under what conditions will combustion be incomplete?

Combustion will be incomplete when there is insufficient oxygen present for the fuel to burn completely. This can happen in a closed or poorly ventilated space, or if the fuel-air mixture is not properly balanced.


Why does paraffin burn?

Paraffin burns because it reacts with oxygen in the air when exposed to a heat source. This reaction releases heat and light energy, causing the paraffin to combust and produce flames.


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.


Why it is dangerous to burn propane or methane in a closed room or building?

Burning propane or methane in a closed room or building can deplete oxygen levels, leading to asphyxiation. Additionally, these gases produce carbon monoxide when burned in insufficiently ventilated areas, which is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in high concentrations.


Does germanium burn?

Not really. It will combine with oxygen or chlorine / fluorine, but poorly.

Related Questions

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

Burning paraffin produces carbon monoxide, a toxic gas that can be harmful to human health. In a poorly ventilated room, the carbon monoxide can accumulate to dangerous levels, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and in severe cases, even death. It is important to ensure proper ventilation when using paraffin products to prevent these risks.


Is is dangerous to burn popsicle sticks and hot glue?

It is not dangerous to burn popsicle sticks if they are made from wood and are burnt in a well ventilated area. If the sticks are plastic, you should not burn them. Whether the glue is dangerous depends on what sort of glue it is.


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.


Under what conditions will combustion be incomplete?

Combustion will be incomplete when there is insufficient oxygen present for the fuel to burn completely. This can happen in a closed or poorly ventilated space, or if the fuel-air mixture is not properly balanced.


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.


Why does paraffin burn?

Paraffin burns because it reacts with oxygen in the air when exposed to a heat source. This reaction releases heat and light energy, causing the paraffin to combust and produce flames.


How does burning parraffin in a greenhouse help plants photosynthesise?

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


Can you burn diesel in a paraffin greenhouse heater?

No, it is not safe to burn diesel in a paraffin greenhouse heater. Diesel burns at a higher temperature compared to paraffin, which can cause damage to the heater and pose a fire hazard. It is important to use the correct fuel for your specific heater to ensure safe and efficient operation.


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.


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

When a candle burns, the paraffin wax reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water vapor. The carbon atoms in the paraffin combine with oxygen from the air to produce heat, light, carbon dioxide, and water. This chemical reaction is why the substances in paraffin change when a candle burns.


Does soy wax burn faster than paraffin wax?

Soy wax burns slower than paraffin wax because it has a lower melting point and a cooler burning temperature. This means that soy wax candles typically have a longer burn time compared to paraffin wax candles.


How will different types of wax in a candle affect its burn rate?

This is not a simple answer additives in the wax, length of the wick, the width of the wick, or even the wick type, whether the wax is free standing or in an container, or even if the candle has been over dipped. All of these factors make it practicably impossible to answer your question correctly. Gel Wax has a higher melt point about 180°F to 230°F Bee's wax has a longer burn rate then when compared to paraffin and melts around 144 to 147 °F paraffin melts around 117°F to 147°F