Candle Reaction Lab

Explanation of the Reaction

A combustion reaction is a chemical change in which a compound reacts with oxygen often producing energy in the form of heat and light.1 Candles make light by making heat, and all of the light a candle makes comes from the chemical reaction combustion. 2 Once you light a candle, the wax near the wix melts from the heat of the flame. The liquid wax is then drawn up the wick by capillary action. Because the flame is so hot, it vaporizes the liquid wax, turns it into a hot gas, and starts to decompose the hydrocarbons into molecules of and carbon and hydrogen.These vaporized molecules are drawn up into the flame. They react with oxygen naturally in the air to make heat, light, water vapor, and carbon dioxide. 3 The amount of heat given off by this combustion reaction is roughly one-fourth. It takes a few minutes for this combustion reaction to stabilize when you first light a candle. Once the process is stabilized, the flame will burn with ease in a dewdrop shape, giving off water vapor and carbon dioxide.3

History of Candles

Candles have been used for light and to brighten humanity 's celebrations for more than 5,000 years, but there is limited information about their descent. The Egyptians were using wicked candles in 3,000 B.C., but the Romans are usually credited with developing the wicked candle. Candles also

Consumer interest in scented candles began to soar when candles were readily available in a broad array of sizes, scents, and colors. In the 1990s there was a surge in the popularity of candles and new types of candle waxes were being developed. Agricultural chemists in the U.S., developed soybean wax, a softer and slower burning wax. Today, candles are most often used for celebrations, add romance, soothe the body , and as decorations — that can cast a warm, lovely, scented aroma and glow for all to