× Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask a question
Top Posters
Since Sunday
a
5
k
5
c
5
B
5
l
5
C
4
s
4
a
4
t
4
i
4
r
4
r
4
New Topic  
rjandmj82 rjandmj82
wrote...
Posts: 83
Rep: 1 0
11 years ago
I n a combustion oxygen is always one of the reactants. what is the other reactant when the candle burns? Be very specific
Read 1199 times
3 Replies

Related Topics

Replies
wrote...
11 years ago
It is the wax or tallow in the candle. Modern candles use wax which is a mixture of high molecular weight hydrocarbons. Tallow is rendered fat from animals (usually beef or lamb).
wrote...
11 years ago
Uh, since burning a candle is a standard combustion reaction, Carbon and Hydrogen are on the products side, which means Carbon and Hydrogen both must be in the reactant side.

You should find out what type of candle you're burning, because they're made out of different things.
BUT, the equation should look like this:

wax (find it's composition) + O2 (oxygen) ----> CO2 (carbon dioxide) + H2O (water) + heat

By looking at the equation, you should already know that the wax must contain carbon and hydrogen, just find the chemical formula for your special candle. XD

Just so you know, wax is is hydrocarbon and they typically produce what's above in said standard combustion reaction.
wrote...
11 years ago
In a burning candle three types of products can be formed from the same reactants.
CH4 + O2----->C + 2H2O
2CH4 + 3O2----->2CO + 4H2O
CH4 + 2O2----->CO2 + 2H2O
So you can conclude that the reactant other than oxygen is methane.(although paraffin wax contains many hydrcarbons methane is the chief component, forming a greater composition by mass than the others, therefore its combustion can be taken into account)
Hope its clear!
New Topic      
Explore
Post your homework questions and get free online help from our incredible volunteers
  991 People Browsing
Related Images
  
 217
  
 13
  
 17
Your Opinion
Who will win the 2024 president election?
Votes: 3
Closes: November 4