Candle burning and three states of wax

When a candle burns, it involves the transition of wax (typically a solid) through all three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Here's how it works:

1. Solid State (Wax):

   • At room temperature, wax is typically in a solid state. The wax used in candles is often a blend of different hydrocarbons, typically derived from petroleum, plants (such as soybean), or animal sources (such as beeswax).
   • The solid wax forms the main body of the candle and provides fuel for the flame.

2. Liquid State (Molten Wax):

   • When a candle is lit, the heat from the flame melts the solid wax near the wick.
   • The liquefied wax (molten wax) is drawn up the wick through capillary action, fueled by the heat of the flame.
   • As the liquid wax travels up the wick, it vaporizes near the flame, contributing to the combustion process.
   • The liquid wax also absorbs heat from the flame, causing more solid wax to melt and continue the cycle.

3. Gaseous State (Vapors):

   • As the liquid wax near the flame absorbs heat, it vaporizes into gaseous molecules.
   • These gaseous molecules mix with oxygen from the air and undergo combustion in the flame, producing heat, light, water vapor, and carbon dioxide.
   • The heat generated sustains the process by keeping the adjacent wax in a liquid state, ensuring a continuous supply of fuel to the flame.
   • Some of the gaseous byproducts of combustion, such as water vapor and carbon dioxide, are released into the air, while others contribute to the visible flame and its characteristics (like color).

The continuous cycle of solid wax melting, traveling up the wick as liquid wax, vaporizing into gaseous molecules near the flame, and undergoing combustion sustains the burning process of a candle. This process demonstrates the dynamic interplay between the three states of matter involved in the burning of wax.