Tyler Brooks
The combustion of a candle is a fascinating process that has captivated scientists and researchers alike. When a candle burns, it undergoes a series of chemical reactions that transform its wax and wick into a luminous flame. At the heart of this transformation lies the question: what role do carbon and hydrogen play in a candle flame? As the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick, it sets off a chain reaction that vaporizes the wax, releasing molecules of hydrogen and carbon. These molecules then react with oxygen, producing light, heat, water vapour, and carbon dioxide. However, the story doesn't end there; the intricate dance of these elements within the flame's teardrop shape reveals a complex interplay of colours and temperatures, with the blue zone at the base, the orange-brown section above, and the familiar yellow region that captivates our eyes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Heat | About one-quarter of the energy from combustion is emitted as heat. |
| Light | The yellow portion of the spectrum is the most dominant when carbon ignites, so the human eye perceives the flame as yellowish. |
| Colour | The flame has a black region at the bottom, a tiny dark orange-brown/yellow region above that, and a blue region at the top. |
| Shape | The flame takes the shape of a quiet teardrop. |
| Composition | Wax is made of hydrogen and carbon. |
| Combustion | The combustion process begins when a candle is lit. It takes a few minutes to stabilize. |
| Efficiency | A quietly burning candle flame is a very efficient combustion machine. |
| By-products | The burning of a candle produces carbon dioxide, water vapour, and energy (heat and light). |
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What You'll Learn
The combustion process
As the combustion process stabilises, the flame burns steadily and cleanly, producing carbon dioxide and water vapour. The hot gas formed by the vaporised wax is drawn up into the flame, where it combines with oxygen from the air. This reaction produces light, heat, carbon dioxide, and water vapour. The blue area of the flame is where the oxygen-rich zone is located, and it is here that hydrocarbon molecules vaporise and break down into hydrogen and carbon atoms.
Hydrogen separates first and reacts with oxygen to form water vapour. Some of the carbon burns in this blue zone, forming carbon dioxide. In the yellow region of the flame, there is less oxygen, so carbon particles continue to break down and rise. These particles combine with the water vapour and carbon dioxide from the blue zone, and everything is heated to about 1,832 degrees Fahrenheit. The yellow zone is the most notable part of the flame, and it is here that the carbon particles ignite and produce a full spectrum of visible light.
At the top of the yellow zone, the soot particles oxidise at temperatures of around 1,200 degrees Celsius. If the combustion process is interrupted by too much air or wax, the flame flares, and pieces of unburned carbon escape from the flame before they can completely combust, producing black soot or wisps of smoke. These particles contribute to smoke and soot, and constant exposure to them can lead to cardiovascular and respiratory issues.
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How wax melts
When a candle is lit, the heat from the flame melts the wax near the wick. This liquid wax is then drawn up the wick by capillary action. The heat of the flame vaporizes the liquid wax, turning it into a hot gas. The hot gas then starts to break down the hydrocarbons into molecules of hydrogen and carbon. These vaporized molecules are drawn up into the flame, where they react with oxygen from the air to create heat, light, water vapour, and carbon dioxide. The light and heat from a candle come from the wax burning.
Wax melts, sometimes known as wax tarts, are pieces of scented wax. The process of how wax melts work is quite simple: the heat from the warmer melts the wax, which in turn releases the fragrance into the room. Wax melts warmers are either electric burners or tea light warmers that use a tea light candle for heat. Electric warmers are generally considered safer as they reduce the risk of open flames. To start melting your wax, you’ll need a wax warmer, which is essentially the vessel that'll hold and heat your wax.
To use a wax melt, pop one or two cubes of wax into the dish of your wax burner. If you’re using an electric burner, just switch it on. As the wax starts to melt, it'll release the fragrance. Once the wax has fully melted, sit back and enjoy the fragrance permeating your room. Remember not to leave the wax warmer on for too long. An ideal timeframe is about 4-5 hours. When you can no longer smell the fragrance, it's time to change the wax.
Wax melts do not evaporate. When the scent fades away, the wax can be dumped. Some people pour leftover wax into a candle jar. Others let the wax harden and then turn on the melter for a couple of minutes, pulling the wax out once it has slightly melted.
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Hydrocarbons breaking down
When a candle burns, it releases heat and light energy. The heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick, which is then drawn up the wick by capillary action. The liquid wax is vaporized by the flame's heat, breaking down the hydrocarbons into hydrogen and carbon molecules. These molecules are then drawn into the flame, where they react with oxygen from the air. This reaction produces heat, light, water vapour, and carbon dioxide.
The blue area at the base of the flame is where the hydrocarbon molecules vaporize and break down into hydrogen and carbon atoms. The hydrogen atoms separate first and react with oxygen to form water vapour. Some of the carbon burns in this region, producing carbon dioxide. Above the blue zone is a small dark orange-brown section, and above that is the large yellow region that we typically associate with candle flames.
The yellow region contains less oxygen, so carbon particles only partially burn here. This is why the flame appears yellow. The carbon particles continue to rise and heat up until they ignite, producing a full spectrum of visible light. At the top of the yellow zone, the soot particles oxidize at temperatures of around 1200°C.
The outermost region of the flame is a faint blue edge that extends from the blue zone at the base up the sides of the flame cone. This is the hottest part of the flame, typically reaching temperatures of 1400°C. It is blue because it comes into direct contact with the oxygen in the air.
The combustion process of a candle begins as soon as it is lit. Initially, the flame may flicker or produce smoke as the combustion stabilizes. Once stable, the flame burns steadily and cleanly, producing carbon dioxide and water vapour. If the combustion process is interrupted by too much air or wax, the flame flares, and unburned carbon particles escape as black soot or wisps of smoke.
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Carbon and hydrogen atoms react with oxygen
The combustion of a candle involves the reaction of carbon and hydrogen atoms with oxygen. This process produces heat, light, water vapour, and carbon dioxide. Firstly, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick, which is then drawn up the wick by capillary action. The liquid wax is vaporised by the flame's heat and begins to break down into hydrogen and carbon molecules. These molecules are then drawn into the flame, where they react with oxygen from the air.
The flame of a candle has several distinct zones, each with its own characteristics and role in the combustion process. At the base of the flame is a blue zone, which is rich in oxygen. This is where the hydrocarbon molecules vaporise and break down into hydrogen and carbon atoms. The hydrogen atoms separate first and react with oxygen to form water vapour. Some carbon atoms also burn in this region, producing carbon dioxide.
Above the blue zone is a small dark orange-brown section, followed by the large yellow region that is typically associated with candle flames. The yellow zone has a lower oxygen concentration, leading to the partial burning of carbon particles. This zone is responsible for the yellow colour of the flame, as the carbon particles increase and produce a full spectrum of visible light upon ignition.
At the top of the yellow zone, soot particles (unburned carbon) oxidise at high temperatures. This oxidation contributes to the formation of carbon dioxide. Additionally, the warm air rising from the flame draws in cooler air and oxygen at the bottom, creating a continuous cycle of air movement.
The combustion process of a candle involves the reaction of carbon and hydrogen atoms from the wax with oxygen from the surrounding air. This reaction produces heat and light, as well as water vapour and carbon dioxide. While most of the wax is converted into these gases, small amounts of unburned carbon particles may escape as soot or smoke, particularly if the flame receives too much or too little fuel or air.
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The different zones of a candle flame
A candle flame consists of three distinct regions, each with its own unique characteristics, colours, and temperatures. Firstly, let's understand the process that occurs when lighting a candle. The heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick, which is then drawn up by capillary action. This liquid wax is vaporized by the flame, breaking down the hydrocarbons into molecules of hydrogen and carbon. These vapour molecules react with oxygen in the air, creating heat, light, water vapour, and carbon dioxide.
Now, let's explore the different zones of a candle flame:
The Blue Zone
The base of the flame is a blue area, rich in oxygen. This zone is where the hydrocarbon molecules vaporize and break down into hydrogen and carbon atoms. Hydrogen separates first, reacting with oxygen to form water vapour. Some carbon burns here, producing carbon dioxide. This blue zone is the hottest part of the flame, typically reaching temperatures of around 1400° C.
The Orange-Brown Zone
Above the blue zone is a small dark orange-brown section. This region experiences incomplete combustion, resulting in a darker colour. The exact temperature of this zone is not readily available, but it is cooler than the blue zone.
The Yellow Zone
The most notable and recognizable part of the candle flame is the large yellow region. In this zone, carbon particles increase, rise, and heat up. They eventually ignite, emitting a full spectrum of visible light. The yellow portion of the spectrum dominates when the carbon ignites, giving the flame its yellowish appearance. At the top of the yellow zone, soot particles oxidize at temperatures of approximately 1200° C.
The Veil (Optional Fourth Zone)
Some sources mention a fourth zone, sometimes called the veil. This is the faint outside blue edge that extends from the blue zone at the base, moving upwards along the sides of the flame cone. The veil is blue due to its direct contact with the oxygen in the air. It is worth noting that this zone is part of the blue zone, but it is cooler than the central blue area at the base.
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Frequently asked questions
A candle is made of wax, which is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is largely composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms.
The heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick, which is then drawn up the wick by capillary action. The liquid wax is vaporized and the hydrocarbons break down into hydrogen and carbon molecules.
The hydrogen and carbon molecules are drawn into the flame where they react with oxygen from the air. The hydrogen molecules react with oxygen to form water vapour, and carbon molecules burn to form carbon dioxide.
If a candle flame flickers, it means the combustion process is interrupted, either by too much or too little air or fuel. This can cause unburned carbon particles (soot) to escape from the flame, which can lead to smoke and air pollution.
