Candles are made from paraffin.
Where does paraffin come from?
What products are created from burning paraffin candles?
How does the wick help the candle burn?
Qualitative and quantitive observations?
Bob, this is a thought question. You may have thought about this and perhaps you have worked through it but you haven't posted any of your thoughts. I can get you started. Paraffin is a hydrocarbon that is an oil based product. The products of a hydrocarbon, when burned, are CO2 and H2O (carbon dioxide and water). Please post your thoughts and someone here will be happy to help you through if you have trouble.
paraffin is a petroleum by-product.
When burned- would you call the black stuff soot or carbon?
The trivial name for it is soot; however, it is carbon.
Paraffin, the material commonly used to make candles, is derived from petroleum, which is a fossil fuel. Petroleum is found underground, and through a process called distillation, it is separated into various components, one of which is paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is produced when the heavier components of petroleum are removed.
When a paraffin candle is burned, several products are created due to the chemical reactions taking place. The main products of burning a paraffin candle are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O). However, incomplete combustion can also produce carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter.
The wick in a candle is an essential component that facilitates the burning process. It consists of a tightly woven or braided piece of cotton that extends from the base of the candle and reaches into the molten wax pool. The wick acts as a fuel delivery system, drawing the liquid wax up through the center of the wick and providing fuel for the flame. The heat from the flame vaporizes the liquid wax, which then reacts with oxygen in the air to sustain combustion.
Qualitative observations are descriptions that rely on the senses and are often subjective. For example, when observing a burning candle, one might notice the color of the flame, the scent of the burning wax, or the flickering motion of the flame.
Quantitative observations, on the other hand, involve measurements and numerical data. Some quantitative observations related to a burning candle could include measuring the length of time it takes for the candle to burn down a specific length, measuring the amount of wax consumed, or recording the temperature change in the surrounding environment.
To summarize:
1. Paraffin comes from petroleum through a distillation process.
2. Burning paraffin candles produce carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.
3. The wick helps the candle burn by drawing liquid wax up to the flame for fuel.
4. Qualitative observations pertain to subjective descriptions, while quantitative observations involve measurements and numerical data.