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The Burning of a Candle is a Chemical Change Whereas the Melting of a Candle is a Physical Change. Why?
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 25th, 2023
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.
Table of content
Burning of candle
- When a candle burns, the oxygen in the air interacts, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide.
- Consequently, candle burning causes a chemical change.
Melting of a candle
- When heated, candle wax melts. It turns back into solid wax as it cools.
- Since no new product is produced when a candle melts, it represents a physical change.
Summary:-
The Burning of a Candle is a Chemical Change Whereas the Melting of a Candle is a Physical Change. Why?
Candles change physically when they melt rather than chemically when they burn. This is because when a candle burns, oxygen and air combine to generate carbon dioxide, which is a chemical change, and candle wax melts when heat is applied, which is a physical change.
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