Observing Candle Lab: Gases and Fuels
Hazard
Precaution
Emergency Procedure
What could go wrong in thisWhat can you do to prepare and What emergency
experience? What is the to prevent the hazards? What procedure(s) will you
worst thing that could
protective equipment could you utilize to minimize harm if
happen?
use?
a problem happens?
Candle not burning
Qualitative
Quantitative
White, not transparent
2.0 cm diameter; 5.2 cm tall
Candle burning
Qualitative
Quantitative
Can feel heat from flame and can
see light.
Flame is about 2.0 cm tall, but varies by as
much as .20 cm.
Candle after burning for 5 minutes, then extinguished
Qualitative
Quantitative
Color and shape the same, including bowl at top Candle is .20 cm shorter
Question
Answer to question based on video
evidence
Does carbon dioxide contain
carbon?
When magnesium burns with carbon dioxide,
_________ is produced. This means ____
________________.
How does gravity affect flames?
Does burning a fuel use oxygen
or nitrogen from the air?
Reflect and Connect
1. Water is produced in the combustion of candle wax. Where do the oxygen atoms
in water come from in the reaction? Explain the logic of your answer. Feel free
to use molecular sketches instead of sentences.
2. Water vapor is clear and colorless. Carbon dioxide gas is clear and
colorless. Why does the candle flame have color? After your answer, list two or
three objects from your everyday life that behave in a similar way.
3. Why do you need something like a match to light a candle?
4. Gasoline, biodiesel, methane are common fuels for transportation. In what
phase of matter must they be for them to combust in an engine?
Conclusion Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What is the fuel for the combustion reaction? What phase is it? Solid, liquid,
or gas?
Is one of the combustion products water vapor?
Does the amount of oxygen in the air make a difference?
Does carbon dioxide contain carbon?
How does gravity affect flames?
Does burning a fuel use oxygen or nitrogen from the air?