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Captivating Chemistry of Candles Student Questions

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12 views2 pages

Captivating Chemistry of Candles Student Questions

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701610
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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NAME:____________________________________ DATE:_______________ PERIOD:______

The Captivating Chemistry of Candles

1. What are the two main components of a candle? (page 5, column 1)

2. Candles have been around for about how many years? (page 5, column 1)

3. Throughout history, many different materials have been used to make candles. List at least four such
materials that were used. (page 5, column 1)

4. What is the source of paraffin wax? (page 5, column 1)

5. Paraffin belongs to a group of hydrocarbons called the alkanes. Describe this group of organic molecules
and give the general formula. (page 5, column 1)

6. Paraffin is not a pure substance; it is a mixture of several different heavier hydrocarbons. What formula
represents a good average for paraffin? (page 5, column 1)

7. What ensures that paraffin molecules exist as solids at room temperature? (page 5, column 2)

8. Waxes can originate from animal, vegetable, or mineral sources. What are four properties of waxes?
(page 5, column 2)

9. What is the wick of a candle usually composed of? (page 5, column 2)

10. Describe the process known as mordanting. (page 5, column 2)

11. In order to keep the wick upright, metal wires can be placed in the core of the wick. (page 5, column 3)
Which metal was previously used, but is no longer because of toxic vapors?___________
Which metal is currently used? ______________
12. What role does the wick play in the burning of the candle? (page 5, column 3)

13. What is capillary action? (page 5, column 2 – page 6, column 1)

14. List two other circumstances which can be explained by capillary action. (page 6, column 1)

15. In which state(s) of matter can wax burn? List all that apply. (page 6, column 1)

16. Combustion of hydrocarbons, such as paraffin, occurs very rapidly and produces heat and light, meaning
that it is an exothermic chemical reaction (gives off heat). Write the balanced chemical equation for this
reaction. (page 6, column 1)

17. Name the three parts of a candle flame. State their locations within the flame, their colors, and their
approximate temperatures. (page 6, column 2 – page 7, column 1)
Name Location Color Temperature (°C)
Main reaction zone
Dark zone
Luminous zone

18. How does the state of matter known as plasma form? Besides a blue flame, list two other examples of
plasmas. (page 6, column 2)

19. What is soot? (page 7, column 1)

20. What is responsible for the bright yellow color of the candle flame? (page 7, column 1)

21. Describe incandescence. Is it a chemical or physical change? (page 7, columns 1 – 2)

22. A candle flame has a familiar conical shape. What scientific concept is responsible for the flame’s shape?
Describe the process with words or a picture. (page 7, column 2)

23. What is the secret ingredient in those trick candles that don’t stay extinguished? How does it work its
magic (or chemistry)? (page 7, columns 1 – 2)

24. Give an example of an alternative fuel source that can be used instead of petroleum in the creation of
candles. (page 7, column 3)

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