Burning a wax candle is a process in which the wax changes its state and becomes liquid. The burning temperature of a wax candle is another interesting issue to consider. The fact is that the degrees at different points of the candle differ; at the highest of them, the temperature reaches enormous values and exceeds 1000 degrees Celsius. Today we will talk about the burning time of wax candles. Read the following article on the pages of the magazine, and you will find out how long a candle burns and what the process of its combustion is.
Burning wax candle
Candles made from natural beeswax do not contain harmful components and are absolutely safe. In addition, wax candles contain a powerful disinfectant component - propolis. During the melting process, the wax releases a subtle, but still noticeable aroma.
Wax candles crackle slightly when burning, forming a neat drop of molten substance under the flame. They burn for a long time, practically without forming drips, and at the same time they emit a barely perceptible odor.
During the melting process, the wax releases a barely noticeable but still noticeable aroma.
Any wax is a hydrocarbon consisting of the familiar hydrogen (H) and carbon (C) atoms. In fact, burning wax is a somewhat unique process, different from burning wood or paper. The high temperature near the wick melts the wax. In this case, the already familiar molecules of hydrogen and carbon are released.
They fall into the flame (which is kept alive by oxygen). When reacting with it, carbon dioxide and... water appear. More precisely, steam, because Due to the high temperature it turns into gas. And the degrees from the wick are quite enough to melt the wax further. This way the reaction continues as long as the fire has “fuel” in the form of oxygen and wax.
How to burn correctly?
Candles should never be blown out. If you do this, then next time the aroma of the candle will be mixed with the smell of a smoldering wick - and you won’t get a pure aroma. A candle can, for example, be covered with a lid, and it will go out on its own in a few seconds without access to oxygen. If you have nothing to cover the candle with, it is better to use a special flame arrester that resembles a cap or bell. The lid will also protect the surface of the wax from dust, and the candle will be like new for a long time.
The wick must be trimmed before each use to remove the burnt edge. Otherwise, smoldering particles of the wick will fall into the melted wax, and the smell will be not of the aroma composition, but of smoke. You can trim the wick with regular nail scissors.
The candle should be kept lit for at least 10–15 minutes, until at least a small amount of the top layer has melted. This is due, again, to the uniform burning of the wax and wick.
You should not burn a candle for more than three hours: this will cause the wax to overheat and the aromatic oils to stop giving off their aroma. If you want to use the candle for a long time, then extinguish it every couple of hours for 5-10 minutes - this time is enough for the wax to cool a little and harden.
What is the phenomenon of burning a wax candle?
This candle experiment is a practical exercise during which various experiments are carried out, representing both physical and chemical processes. Let's light a candle and let it burn a little. As the candle burns, the wick and paraffin burn, and part of the paraffin melts, heating up from the heat generated during the combustion process.
The combustion of wick and paraffin are chemical processes, because... starting substances are converted into new reaction products. These products are gaseous, because the candle decreases in size. Combustion is accompanied by the release of heat and light.
The melting of paraffin, as mentioned above, is a physical phenomenon. Let us characterize the process of burning a candle. The conditions for the start of the reaction are ignition and contact of the wick with air. The condition for the reaction to occur is an influx of fresh air (if it is stopped, the candle will go out). Signs of a reaction are the release of heat and light.
Flame: structure and structure
To determine the appearance of the described phenomenon, it is enough to light it. The non-luminous flame that appears cannot be called homogeneous. Visually, three main areas can be distinguished. By the way, studying the structure of a flame shows that different substances burn with the formation of different types of torch.
In practice, a small piece of wood will also work easily with relatively low temperature sources, while a fairly large piece of wood will be much more difficult to ignite. In general, for both solid fuels and liquid fuels, when the fuel is divided into small particles, the amount of heat introduced is much less than the smaller particles when the ignition temperature is naturally reached. Therefore, wood, which in large sizes can be considered a barely usable material, when divided into sawdust or even dust, can even cause explosions.
When a mixture of gas and air burns, a short torch is first formed, the color of which has blue and violet shades. The core is visible in it - green-blue, reminiscent of a cone. Let's consider this flame. Its structure is divided into three zones:
- A preparatory area is identified in which the mixture of gas and air is heated as it exits the burner opening.
- This is followed by the zone in which combustion occurs. It occupies the top of the cone.
- When there is insufficient air flow, the gas does not burn completely. Carbon divalent oxide and hydrogen residues are released. Their combustion takes place in the third region, where there is oxygen access.
Now we will separately consider different combustion processes.
For its solid fuel, its division is essential. A large blade has a low fire risk, but with a small piece the same material is very dangerous. It should be noted that in the case of large-scale materials, it is not only the fact that the heat source has a high temperature, but also the exposure time of the heat source.
Low conductivity of wood leads to a decrease in combustion rate. As can be seen, wood retains its fuel properties even if it is intended for other purposes, and this must be taken into account when developing fire control measures for buildings. Liquid fuels are among the fuels that have the highest calorific value per unit volume. They are used in both engines and heating systems. Combustion inside engines is especially important when mixed with air, which takes the name carburetor.
Burning time of wax candles
Wax candles are usually natural options that are made from various raw materials. The most popular candles are made from beeswax, soy wax and coconut wax. Wax candles are characterized by a long combustion process, which results in the release of carbon dioxide in small amounts.
Therefore, wax options are safe for human health and the environment. However, depending on the chosen material, the melting temperature of the wax and the composition of the components released into the air change.
Additionally, all options burn brighter compared to paraffin candles and artificial stearin products. After candles burn out completely, they become unusable and lose their attractiveness. All wax candles have the same method of use. The wick is lit using a lighter or matches, which burns to slowly melt the wax.
Red candle made of natural beeswax, burning time 1 hour
Melting wax is a physical phenomenon, combustion is chemical.
Red candle made of natural beeswax with a handmade double wick. Red candles are successfully used in various rituals and magical rites, because... have a wide sector of action. It is believed that red candles attract love, restore strength and physical health, and help achieve goals. Corresponds to the 1st chakra. Burning time is about 60 minutes.
Characteristic
The flame classification is based on the following characteristics:
- aggregate state of burning compounds. They come in gaseous, airborne, solid and liquid forms;
- type of radiation, which can be colorless, luminous and colored;
- distribution speed. There is fast and slow spread;
- flame height. The structure can be short or long;
- nature of movement of reacting mixtures. There are pulsating, laminar, turbulent movement;
- visual perception. Substances burn with the release of a smoky, colored or transparent flame;
- temperature indicator. The flame can be low temperature, cold and high temperature.
- state of the fuel-oxidizing reagent phase.
Combustion occurs as a result of diffusion or pre-mixing of the active components.
Is the burning of a wax candle physical or chemical?
All substances in nature change. Any change in a substance is a phenomenon. If the state of aggregation, shape and volume of a substance changes, but a new substance is not formed, this is a physical phenomenon.
If the shape, volume or state of a substance changes, but a new substance is not formed, this is a physical phenomenon. If one substance transforms into another and a new substance is formed, this is a chemical phenomenon, or a chemical reaction. The melting of wax is a physical phenomenon, since its state of aggregation changes, and combustion is a chemical phenomenon, since new substances are formed.
Physical phenomena when a candle burns
They lit a candle. The paraffin begins to melt around the wick. This process is called melting. We took a curved glass tube. One end of it was placed in a candle flame, the other was lowered into a test tube. The walls of the test tube begin to fog up. This phenomenon is called condensation.
Melting is the physical process of transition of a substance from a solid state to a liquid. Condensation: is a physical process of transition of a substance from a gaseous state to a liquid.
Schematic illustration
For clarity, we present to your attention an image of a burning candle. Flame circuit includes:
However, between two flammable liquids, as with a flammable temperature lower than the ambient temperature, it is preferable to use a higher flammable temperature, since at ambient temperature it will release less flammable vapor, which reduces the possibility of an air-vapor mixture forming within the flammable range.
Further negative elements regarding fire hazards are presented. Low ignition temperature of the fuel, which entails lower activation energy to start combustion; since the range of mixing of steam and air is greater, for which the start and spread of fire is possible. A recent consideration should be given to flammable vapor density, defined as the mass per unit volume of fuel vapor.
- The first or dark area.
- Second luminous zone.
- The third transparent shell.
The candle thread does not burn, but only charring of the bent end occurs.
Burning temperature of a wax candle
It has been known since school physics that a flame has several temperature zones.
The first low-temperature zone is the blue section of the flame under the wick. Gases do not penetrate here, so the temperature fluctuates around 600°C. If you move your hand quickly, you won't get burned. Some people extinguish candles this way by simply squeezing the wick with their fingers. But don't repeat this, use a glass or special dampers.
In the second zone, combustion is active. The temperature reaches 800-1000°C. This area is bright yellow or even red. The color is created by hot carbon particles. The third outer zone is the hottest - about 1400°C. This is where all the carbon burns. It is impossible to hold your palm near the flame for a long time without getting burned.
Even the highest temperature of a candle flame is reduced if you combine them in bundles. The phenomenon is explained as follows: close proximity helps to displace gas outside the combustion zones before it begins to burn. Those. the fire burns, but at a lower temperature. It is reduced by approximately 15% or 200°C.
The burning temperature of a candle flame is higher than that of wood. Despite the fact that a flame is not a physical body and does not have a constant shape or mass, it is dangerous. Therefore, you should not ignore safety rules and play with fire.
Sources:
- https://ukrcandle.com.ua/blog/how-burn-candle/
- https://interneturok.ru/lesson/chemistry/8-klass/bpervonachalnye-himicheskie-predstavleniyab/prakticheskoe-zanyatie-3-himicheskie-reaktsii
- https://stroy-podskazka.ru/aksessuary/svechi/voskovye/
- https://www.d-modern.com/product/svecha-voskovaya-naturalnaya-22-sm-vremya-goreniya-1-chas-krasnaya
Color characteristic
Emissions of different flame colors are caused by electronic transitions. They are also called thermal. Thus, as a result of combustion of a hydrocarbon component in air, a blue flame is caused by the release of the HC compound. And when CC particles are emitted, the torch turns orange-red.
It is difficult to consider the structure of a flame, the chemistry of which includes compounds of water, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, and the OH bond. Its tongues are practically colorless, since the above particles, when burned, emit radiation in the ultraviolet and infrared spectrum.
The color of the flame is interconnected with temperature indicators, with the presence of ionic particles in it, which belong to a certain emission or optical spectrum. Thus, the combustion of certain elements leads to changes in the burner. Differences in the color of the torch are associated with the arrangement of elements in different groups of the periodic system.
Fire is examined with a spectroscope for the presence of radiation in the visible spectrum. At the same time, it was found that simple substances from the general subgroup also cause a similar coloration of the flame. For clarity, sodium combustion is used as a test for this metal. When brought into the flame, the tongues turn bright yellow. Based on the color characteristics, the sodium line is identified in the emission spectrum.
It is characterized by the property of rapid excitation of light radiation from atomic particles. When non-volatile compounds of such elements are introduced into the fire of a Bunsen burner, it becomes colored.
Spectroscopic examination shows characteristic lines in the area visible to the human eye. The speed of excitation of light radiation and the simple spectral structure are closely related to the high electropositive characteristics of these metals.
Temperature indicators
Each fire zone of a candle or burner has its own values, determined by the supply of oxygen molecules. The temperature of the open flame in its different parts ranges from 300 °C to 1600 °C.
An example is a diffusion and laminar flame, which is formed by three shells. Its cone consists of a dark area with a temperature of up to 360 °C and a lack of oxidizing substances. Above it is a glow zone. Its temperature ranges from 550 to 850 °C, which promotes thermal decomposition of the combustible mixture and its combustion.
The outer area is barely noticeable. In it, the flame temperature reaches 1560 °C, which is due to the natural characteristics of fuel molecules and the speed of entry of the oxidizing substance. This is where the combustion is most energetic.
Substances ignite under different temperature conditions. Thus, magnesium metal burns only at 2210 °C. For many solids the flame temperature is around 350°C. Matches and kerosene can ignite at 800 °C, while wood can ignite from 850 °C to 950 °C.
The cigarette burns with a flame whose temperature varies from 690 to 790 °C, and in a propane-butane mixture - from 790 °C to 1960 °C. Gasoline ignites at 1350 °C. The alcohol combustion flame has a temperature of no more than 900 °C.
Oxidative and reduction region
The oxidation process occurs in a barely noticeable zone. It is the hottest and is located at the top. In it, fuel particles undergo complete combustion. And the presence of oxygen excess and combustible deficiency leads to an intense oxidation process. This feature should be used when heating objects over the burner. That is why the substance is immersed in the upper part of the flame. This combustion proceeds much faster.
Reduction reactions take place in the central and lower parts of the flame. It contains a large supply of flammable substances and a small amount of O 2 molecules that carry out combustion. When oxygen-containing compounds are introduced into these areas, the O element is eliminated.
As an example of a reducing flame, the process of splitting ferrous sulfate is used. When FeSO 4 enters the central part of the burner torch, it first heats up and then decomposes into ferric oxide, anhydride and sulfur dioxide. In this reaction, reduction of S with a charge of +6 to +4 is observed.
