The candle flame is yellow and luminous due toa)Complete combustion o...
The candle flame is yellow and luminous due to incomplete combustion of wax vapor.
The color and luminosity of a candle flame are indicators of the combustion process happening within the flame. The flame of a candle consists of several zones, each with different temperatures and chemical reactions occurring.
1. Incomplete combustion of wax vapor:
When a candle burns, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick. This liquid wax is then drawn up the wick, where the heat of the flame vaporizes it to release hydrocarbon molecules. These hydrocarbon molecules rise up into the flame and undergo combustion.
However, in the case of a candle flame, the combustion process is not entirely efficient. Due to the limited supply of oxygen, the combustion is incomplete, resulting in the production of soot and carbon particles. These particles, when heated, emit yellow light, giving the candle flame its yellow color and luminosity.
2. Complete combustion of wax vapor:
If the combustion of wax vapor were complete, the flame would emit a blue color. This is because complete combustion occurs when there is a sufficient supply of oxygen, allowing the hydrocarbon molecules to react completely and form carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The blue color in a flame comes from the emission of light by excited carbon and hydrogen atoms in the flame.
3. Other options:
- Burning of carbon monoxide would result in a blue flame, not a yellow one.
- The presence of plenty of air around the flame would promote complete combustion, resulting in a blue flame.
- None of the above options are correct because the correct answer is the incomplete combustion of wax vapor.
In conclusion, the yellow and luminous color of a candle flame is due to the incomplete combustion of wax vapor. The limited supply of oxygen causes the production of soot and carbon particles, which emit yellow light when heated.
The candle flame is yellow and luminous due toa)Complete combustion o...
The candle flame is yellow and luminous due to incomplete combustion of wax vapour.
The wax vapours undergo incomplete combustion because of insufficient air. This incomplete combustion of wax vapour produces carbon particles. These unburnt carbon particles get heated up and start glowing. These glowing carbon particles make the flame bright yellow and luminous.
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