Is burning a candle a physical or chemical change?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether the process of burning a candle involves a physical change or a chemical change. This relates to the transformation of materials when the candle burns, specifically examining the chemical reactions that occur during combustion.
Answer
chemical change
The final answer is a chemical change
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is a chemical change
More Information
When a candle burns, the wax reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water, indicating a chemical change. Melting of the wax is a physical change as it involves a change in state without altering chemical composition.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the melting of wax, which is a physical change, with the burning of the candle, which is a chemical change.
Sources
- Combustion and Burning - highschoolenergy.acs.org
- Burning of a candle is a chemical change whereas the melting of a candle is a physical change - byjus.com
- Is a wax candle burning a physical or chemical change and how? - quora.com
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