When a candle is lit, what type of change mainly occurs in the combustion of wax vapour?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Chemical change
In a burning candle, wax near the wick first melts and vaporises, but the wax vapour combusts with oxygen to form new substances such as carbon dioxide and water vapour. Formation of new substances is the main feature of a chemical change. Therefore, the burning process of a candle is mainly a chemical change. In contrast, melting of wax is only a physical change, or change of state, because no new substance is formed during melting.
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What is the correct answer to this question?
Chemical change
Why is this the correct answer?
In a burning candle, wax near the wick first melts and vaporises, but the wax vapour combusts with oxygen to form new substances such as carbon dioxide and water vapour. Formation of new substances is the main feature of a chemical change. Therefore, the burning process of a candle is mainly a chemical change. In contrast, melting of wax is only a physical change, or change of state, because no new substance is formed during melting.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Chemical Reactions and Equations.
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