The Burning of a Candle is a Chemical Change Whereas the Melting of a Candle is a Physical Change. Why?

The burning of a candle is a chemical change whereas the melting of a candle is a physical change. This is because, the oxygen reacts with air to form carbon dioxide while burning a candle which is a chemical change and wax of candle melts when heat is applied is a physical change.

Physical Change

Physical changes include those that can be seen and measured, such as variations in hardness, rigidity, fluidity, colour, density, boiling point, melting point, etc.

• Temporary in nature.
• Just the molecules are changed; the substance’s fundamental structure is unaffected.
• There is no new substance formation that can be seen here.
• The majority of the physical alterations can be undone. Even after the alteration, we can get the content back.

Chemical Change

A transformation that produces new chemical compounds is referred to as a chemical change. It involves the forming or severing of atom-to-atom connections.

• Permanent in nature.
• One or more new substances are created when the original makeup of the substance alters.
• Energy can be released or absorbed in the form of electricity, heat, or light.
• In general, a chemical change cannot be reversed. At the very least, it cannot be undone physically.