answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Maybe a better question is whether a candle AND it's combustion products gets heavier or lighter. Since a candle uses the oxygen from the air, the total mass gets heavier than the original candle.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

5mo ago

When a candle burns, the wax is converted into carbon dioxide and water vapor through a chemical reaction with oxygen in the air. The mass decreases because the wax molecules are broken down and the byproducts escape into the surrounding environment, resulting in a loss of mass.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Burning candles lose mass through four ways:

  1. Candle wax melts, and the molten wax rises up the wick through capillary action whereupon the molten wax evaporates due to the heat at the base of the flame. The wax vapors burn in the flame. This chemical oxidation process converts the candle wax into combustion byproducts that rise up as smoke from the flame.
  2. Some candle wax vapors escape before burning, and dissipate into the air.
  3. Candles can drip molten wax, which fall off the candle before evaporating.
  4. The wick itself burns, and is converted into combustion byproducts that either rise up as smoke or fall off as ash.
This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

Because of the law of conservation of mass, the mass of the candle does not disappear when it is burned. This means that the whole mass is converted to other substances, the products of the combustion reaction. The mass of these products must be equal to the mass of the reactants, in this case, the oxygen, wick, and candle that are burned.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

because the intence heat melts the wax

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why when you burn a candle the mass decreases?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Physics
Related questions

What candle would burn faster a white candle or a purple one?

wouldn't make a difference if they were the same shape,mass,and volume


A paraffin wax candle is used to heat up a can of water. The candle had a mass of 15.75g before the burn and 14.20g after the burn The can contained 250.0 of water at an initial temperature of 13.0 C?

A paffin wax candle is used to heat up a can of water. The candle had a mass of 15.75g before the burn and 14.20g after the burn. The can contained 250.0 of water at an initial temperature of 13.0 C. What is the heat of combustion in kJ/g of paraffin? The specific heat capacity of water is 4.184 J/(g C)


When a candle is allowad to burn in open air the mass of the candle decreashow can you explain this?

Wax evaporates as well as melting. Mass is therefore lost, as the wax turns into various gaseous molecules which escape from the solid body.


How does burning candle affect mass differently than melting a candle?

When a candle burns, it undergoes a chemical reaction called combustion, where the wax reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water vapor. During this process, the candle's mass decreases as some of the wax is converted into gases. On the other hand, when a candle melts, it transitions from solid to liquid state, but its mass remains unchanged as no chemical reaction occurs.


When was Burn Like a Candle created?

Burn Like a Candle was created on 1972-06-25.


What Burns longer a white candle or black candle?

The color of a candle does not affect its burn time. The burn time of a candle is determined by its size, wax type, and wick quality.


If a plant and a burning candle are placed under a bell jar will the candle burn?

No, the candle will not burn because the flame will consume the oxygen inside the bell jar, creating a vacuum and extinguishing the flame. Oxygen is necessary for combustion to occur, and without it, the candle cannot burn.


Why does floating candles float higher in the water as they burn?

the mass decreases as the wax burns so it displaces less water


How fast does a candle burn?

It depends on what kind of wax that the candle is made out of


Does a candle holder effect burn rate?

Yes, a candle holder can affect the burn rate of a candle. A holder that fits the candle properly, shields it from drafts, and allows for proper airflow can help the candle burn more evenly and slowly. On the other hand, an improperly sized or ventilated holder may cause the candle to burn faster or unevenly.


Do white candles burn fastest?

No, yellow candle burn the fastest because of the heat reflecting off the surface of a candle and it helps yellow candle to melt faster


How does mass affect density if the volumes are the same?

If the mass increases, the density decreases. If the mass decreases, the density decreases.