Wax that is burned from a candle doesn’t disappear; it changes form and ends up in the air as gases. Specifically, the melted wax vaporizes and then reacts with oxygen in the flame to produce carbon dioxide and water vapor, which are released into the surrounding environment. A small portion may also contribute to soot or other combustion byproducts depending on the wax composition and flame conditions. Key points:
- The wick draws melted wax into the flame where it vaporizes and combusts.
- Combustion converts carbon in the wax to carbon dioxide and hydrogen to water vapor.
- The visible flame and heat come from this chemical reaction, while the byproducts disperse into the air.
- In typical candles with clean-burning wax and well-trimmed wicks, the majority of the wax’s mass becomes CO2 and H2O vapor; some unburned hydrocarbons or soot can form if the flame is smoky or the wick is degraded.
If you’re curious about the exact proportions, they depend on factors like wax type (paraffin, beeswax, soy), fragrance load, dye, wick size, and air supply. In general, the process is:
- Wax melts at the wick base and travels up the wick.
- Liquid wax near the flame vaporizes.
- Wax vapor reacts with oxygen to form CO2 and H2O.
- Gases escape into the room; some particulates may be emitted if combustion is incomplete.
