hi ms hong -wendy 12-5-13 (you better reply to this)
Nicole and Sally: Abstract
For this year's science fair, we decided to test if the color of a candle will affect it's burning rate so we would know if we were wasting money on candles that didn't last long. Throughout this research, we learned a lot about the absorption of heat by color. For example, the orange candle burned the slowest because it was the darkest but it released the least amount of heat. We set them aside and lit each candle. We then timed and recorded the results. While conducting this lab, we made a few different observations. We noticed that each candle melted at different rates causing some to burn faster than others. We also learned that it took approximately thirty seconds for the heat from a lighter to travel down the wick to the actual wax content of the candle. We also observed that the flame consists of three different colors and that each color is responsible for a different attribute. After we executed our experiment, we found out that our hypothesis was right. The white candle burned the fastest while the orange burned the slowest. This experiment proved that color does effect a candle's burning rate and the lightest colored candle will burn fastest.
SALLY:Purpose Candles have existed for thousands of years and are still continuously used in everyday lives. According to The National Candle Organization, “U.S. retail sales of candles are estimated at approximately $2 billion annually” (2013). This experiment will allow everyday candle buyers to see if they are possibly spending more money on candles that don’t last as long as others of different colors. Many buyers who are unaware of candle properties usually go and buy a specific color or scent, but often don’t pay attention to how the candle will work. This experiment will not only inform potential candle buyers, but also the average person of the importance of color when buying candles.
WENDY:history No one is quite sure who exactly invented candles. It is often written that the first candles were used by Egyptians. "Originally, candles were made from tallow, which was extracted from cattle and sheep, in the early Egyptian times" (The History of Candle Making, 2013). However they were technically not candles because they did not have wicks. The ancient Romans are credited with developing the wicked candle by dipping rolled papyrus in melted tallow or beeswax. Soon enough, other civilizations started to use and upgrade candles.
Other countries and civilizations made candles with the resources plentiful in their area. For example, Indians used melted cinnamon as wax. As time went on, candles became popularized and were improved. Instead of using tallow as wax, people started to use beeswax because it produced less smoke and smell. Later on spermaceti, a wax made from whale oil, was made. “Historians note that the first standard candles were made from spermaceti wax” (History of Candles, 2013).
With the introduction of light bulbs, candle making declined. In the 20th century, candles became popular again when oil industries started to use key candle ingredients. Paraffin wax became the most commonly used wax and is still used today. Although candles aren’t commonly used as a light source anymore, it is still used in homes and celebrations. Throughout the years, candles have tremendously changed and affected our lives.
CHRISTINE Process: How a Candle Works (bold glossary terms when used) The burning of a candle is an example of a chemical reaction. A candle mostly relies on the wick. The wax of a candle consists of hydrogen and carbon atoms. The absorbency is important in a candle because the wick needs to absorb liquid wax and move it upward while the candle is burning. " (How does a Candle Work?," 2000). The candle is usually made of paraffin wax which is a heavy hydrocarbon that is made from crude oil. Paraffin wax is composed of stearic acid, a component of animal and vegetable fats. Candles produce light by the wick; the wick of a candle can vary from different shapes and sizes. For example, a candle-wick can be braided, plaited, or knitted. There are various type of wick styles created to effect the amount of time it takes for a candle to burn. The wick of a candle is covered in flame retardant solutions so that the wick would not be destroyed by the flame.
The wick absorbs the heat after the candle is lit and the wax is drawn upwards. The liquid wax is then drawn up by the wick due to the process of capillary action. Capillary action is a phenomenon, associated with surface tension and resulting in the elevation or depression of liquids in capillaries. "Once the wax turns into liquid after the heat, it is vaporized by the flame of the wick." (The Science of Candles, 2013).The vaporized molecules react with oxygen from the air. Within the flame, are carbon particles that ignite and become incandescent or emitting light as a result of being heated. The process of a candle keeps going until the fuel inside the light is used up or the heat is eliminated. "Only one-fourth of the candle’s energy is given off during combustion while heat radiates from the flame." (Devries, 2013).
The candle’s flame can be defined in three regions; the yellow, blue, and darker yellow zones. The blue zone is known as the “main reaction zone.” It is the area where water and carbon dioxide is yielded. The darker yellow zone, known as the “dark zone,” is where unburned wax is gathered. Lastly, the brightest zone is known as the “yellow zone,” is where incomplete combustion occurs. “During incomplete combustion, paraffin molecules turn into water and carbon dioxide.” (Roth, 2011). The different parts of the candle all work together to form combustion, similar to the cells in your body. Each part in a candle has a role and without it, a candle could not produce its end result.
NICOLE:Application Because of electricity and advances in technology, candles are not needed as a light source as much. One might ask, “If candles are not needed as a light source, why would they still exist?” Candles are used constantly for home decor, ceremonies, and the occasional blackout.
Today, there are different themed candles depending on the specific holiday. "The popularity of candles remained steady until the mid-1980s, when interest in candles as decorative items, mood-setters and gifts began to increase notably" (History of Candles, 2013).
"Decorative candles are uniquely versatile decór elements." (Decorative Candle Catalog, 2013) Decorative candles are being used for holiday dinners, or holiday parties. Home décor adds a special touch to our homes. Candles can be used in different types of ceremonies like marriages, funerals, and birthday parties. Candles provide a use when your light source goes out, such as a blackout. In that situation a candle can really come in handy. A candle can really set a moment for any occasion.
Statement of a Problem: Does the color of a candle affect how fast it burns?
Hypothesis: If four different colored candles are burned, then the lightest colored candle will burn the fastest.
Variables -Independent
candle color
-Dependent
burning rate of candle
-Control
Same length candle
Same length of wick
Same brand of candle
Materials:
5 Blue Candles
5 White Candles
5 Yellow Candles
5 Orange Candles
Lighter
Tape
4 Plates
4 Timers or Stop Watch(es)
Marker
Ruler
Procedure:
Cut each wick so that the wicks are all 2 cm long.
Draw a mark 7 inches from the bottom on all the candles.
Line up all 4 different colored candles.
Light each candle and start each corresponding stopwatch
Stop each watch and blow out each candle when it melts down to the mark.
Record the candle color and time.
Repeat steps 3-7 for each set of candles.
Compare results.
Redo steps 1-9 in 4 more trials.
Analysis: The white candle oxidized at an average rate of .040 inches per minute. The yellow candle, with the second fastest burning rate, burned at an average rate of .039 inches per minute; the blue candle, the third fastest, burned .038 inches per minute. The candle with the slowest burning rate was orange, with a burning rate of .036 inches per minute. It was discovered that the lighter the color, the faster the candle would burn.
NICOLE: Conclusion
In the end, the hypothesis was correct; the results proved that the white candle had the quickest burning rate. While conducting this experiment, there were a few errors that occurred. One error was that our candles had a rounded surface, which allowed the candle to sway and not stand up. We taped down the candle to a plate in order to for it to hold still. Another situation that occurred while testing the candles was that the movement of people in the house created small winds that may have affected the fire. Next time, instead of walking around, the candle should be placed in a closed environment where no unbalanced forces can be acted on the candles. These are the improvements that we would have made if conducting this experiment again. We suggest this project for you if you have an urging fascination for candles.
CHRISTINE: Reflection In our research, we learned that candles burn on their own due to the wick. The candle absorbs heat due to theprocess of capillary action, a process in which the surface of a liquid comes in contact with a solid. We were surprised to know that the reason why a candle burns is because of the wick. We thought that the role of the wick was very miniscule but as it turns out the wick is the main source for a candle to burn. We wondered how the flame’s heat could stay upward constantly. We found out that when a candle burns, the flame heats the nearby air and starts to rise. We can confirm that the candle would vaporize the wax by breaking down the molecules; the heat that is given off from the candle radiates in all directions, thus melting the wax.
During our project, we all learned that a candle's burning rate is affected by its color. To our surprise, the orange candle burned the slowest. The white candle burned the fastest. Sally thought the white candle would burn the slowest, while the rest of us thought the white would burn the fastest. In the beginning of our project we tested one of our candles outside. On that day it was so windy that the flame of the candle would spastically fluctuate. Wendy had to put her hands around the flame to block the wind, which could have been very hazardous. To prevent any accidents, we didn't count that test and moved indoors to redo our trials. Another issue we had was trying to get the candle to stick onto the plate. We used tape but it wasn't as secure as we hoped it would be. To further this project, we can test if there are other variables that affect the way candles burn such as the scent of a candle.
Glossary: (bold these in the research report) 1. capillary action: the movement of a liquid within another material. It is a result of surface tension that occurs when the liquid and the other surface come in contact with each other. 2. combustion: rapid oxidation accompanied by heat 3. flame retardant: resistant to catching on fire. 4. hydrocarbon: a combination of the elements hydrogen and carbon. 5. incandescent: having a filament which glows white-hot when heated by a current passed through it. 6. paraffin: A flammable, whitish, translucent, waxy solid consisting of a mixture of saturated hydrocarbon. 7. stearic acid: a component of animal and vegetable fats; used in paraffin wax. 8. vaporization: the process in which a liquid changes into vapor. 9. melting point: a temperature a wax reaches before melting. 10. wick: a cord or strand of loosely woven, twisted, or braided fibers that draws up fuel to the flame by capillary action
Rubric for 2f- deadline extended to 4/30 You will get Tuesday class time (4/30) to make any additional revisions. Must use 3rd person AND in-text citations for Purpose, History, Process, & Applications paragraphs.
Pts. Earned
Pts. Possible
Abstract (Q1-2)
3.5
5
Purpose
5
5
History
4
5
Process
4
5
Applications (Formerly Future)
5
5
Reflection (about research AND lab)
4
5
Glossary
3.5
5
Works Cited
4.5
5
Total
33.5
40
Rubric for 5-6ab- deadline 5/3 You will get class time (4/30 & 5/2) to make additional revisions to your wikispace page.
Nicole and Sally: Abstract
For this year's science fair, we decided to test if the color of a candle will affect it's burning rate so we would know if we were wasting money on candles that didn't last long. Throughout this research, we learned a lot about the absorption of heat by color. For example, the orange candle burned the slowest because it was the darkest but it released the least amount of heat. We set them aside and lit each candle. We then timed and recorded the results. While conducting this lab, we made a few different observations. We noticed that each candle melted at different rates causing some to burn faster than others. We also learned that it took approximately thirty seconds for the heat from a lighter to travel down the wick to the actual wax content of the candle. We also observed that the flame consists of three different colors and that each color is responsible for a different attribute. After we executed our experiment, we found out that our hypothesis was right. The white candle burned the fastest while the orange burned the slowest. This experiment proved that color does effect a candle's burning rate and the lightest colored candle will burn fastest.
SALLY:Purpose
Candles have existed for thousands of years and are still continuously used in everyday lives. According to The National Candle Organization, “U.S. retail sales of candles are estimated at approximately $2 billion annually” (2013). This experiment will allow everyday candle buyers to see if they are possibly spending more money on candles that don’t last as long as others of different colors. Many buyers who are unaware of candle properties usually go and buy a specific color or scent, but often don’t pay attention to how the candle will work. This experiment will not only inform potential candle buyers, but also the average person of the importance of color when buying candles.
WENDY:history
No one is quite sure who exactly invented candles. It is often written that the first candles were used by Egyptians. "Originally, candles were made from tallow, which was extracted from cattle and sheep, in the early Egyptian times" (The History of Candle Making, 2013). However they were technically not candles because they did not have wicks. The ancient Romans are credited with developing the wicked candle by dipping rolled papyrus in melted tallow or beeswax. Soon enough, other civilizations started to use and upgrade candles.
Other countries and civilizations made candles with the resources plentiful in their area. For example, Indians used melted cinnamon as wax. As time went on, candles became popularized and were improved. Instead of using tallow as wax, people started to use beeswax because it produced less smoke and smell. Later on spermaceti, a wax made from whale oil, was made. “Historians note that the first standard candles were made from spermaceti wax” (History of Candles, 2013).
With the introduction of light bulbs, candle making declined. In the 20th century, candles became popular again when oil industries started to use key candle ingredients. Paraffin wax became the most commonly used wax and is still used today. Although candles aren’t commonly used as a light source anymore, it is still used in homes and celebrations. Throughout the years, candles have tremendously changed and affected our lives.
CHRISTINE Process: How a Candle Works (bold glossary terms when used)
The burning of a candle is an example of a chemical reaction. A candle mostly relies on the wick. The wax of a candle consists of hydrogen and carbon atoms. The absorbency is important in a candle because the wick needs to absorb liquid wax and move it upward while the candle is burning. " (How does a Candle Work?," 2000). The candle is usually made of paraffin wax which is a heavy hydrocarbon that is made from crude oil. Paraffin wax is composed of stearic acid, a component of animal and vegetable fats. Candles produce light by the wick; the wick of a candle can vary from different shapes and sizes. For example, a candle-wick can be braided, plaited, or knitted. There are various type of wick styles created to effect the amount of time it takes for a candle to burn. The wick of a candle is covered in flame retardant solutions so that the wick would not be destroyed by the flame.
The wick absorbs the heat after the candle is lit and the wax is drawn upwards. The liquid wax is then drawn up by the wick due to the process of capillary action. Capillary action is a phenomenon, associated with surface tension and resulting in the elevation or depression of liquids in capillaries. "Once the wax turns into liquid after the heat, it is vaporized by the flame of the wick." (The Science of Candles, 2013).The vaporized molecules react with oxygen from the air. Within the flame, are carbon particles that ignite and become incandescent or emitting light as a result of being heated. The process of a candle keeps going until the fuel inside the light is used up or the heat is eliminated. "Only one-fourth of the candle’s energy is given off during combustion while heat radiates from the flame." (Devries, 2013).
The candle’s flame can be defined in three regions; the yellow, blue, and darker yellow zones. The blue zone is known as the “main reaction zone.” It is the area where water and carbon dioxide is yielded. The darker yellow zone, known as the “dark zone,” is where unburned wax is gathered. Lastly, the brightest zone is known as the “yellow zone,” is where incomplete combustion occurs. “During incomplete combustion, paraffin molecules turn into water and carbon dioxide.” (Roth, 2011). The different parts of the candle all work together to form combustion, similar to the cells in your body. Each part in a candle has a role and without it, a candle could not produce its end result.
NICOLE:Application
Because of electricity and advances in technology, candles are not needed as a light source as much. One might ask, “If candles are not needed as a light source, why would they still exist?” Candles are used constantly for home decor, ceremonies, and the occasional blackout.
Today, there are different themed candles depending on the specific holiday. "The popularity of candles remained steady until the mid-1980s, when interest in candles as decorative items, mood-setters and gifts began to increase notably" (History of Candles, 2013).
"Decorative candles are uniquely versatile decór elements." (Decorative Candle Catalog, 2013) Decorative candles are being used for holiday dinners, or holiday parties. Home décor adds a special touch to our homes. Candles can be used in different types of ceremonies like marriages, funerals, and birthday parties. Candles provide a use when your light source goes out, such as a blackout. In that situation a candle can really come in handy. A candle can really set a moment for any occasion.
Statement of a Problem:
Does the color of a candle affect how fast it burns?
Hypothesis:
If four different colored candles are burned, then the lightest colored candle will burn the fastest.
Variables
-Independent
- candle color
-Dependent- burning rate of candle
-ControlMaterials:
Procedure:
Analysis:
The white candle oxidized at an average rate of .040 inches per minute. The yellow candle, with the second fastest burning rate, burned at an average rate of .039 inches per minute; the blue candle, the third fastest, burned .038 inches per minute. The candle with the slowest burning rate was orange, with a burning rate of .036 inches per minute. It was discovered that the lighter the color, the faster the candle would burn.
NICOLE: Conclusion
In the end, the hypothesis was correct; the results proved that the white candle had the quickest burning rate. While conducting this experiment, there were a few errors that occurred. One error was that our candles had a rounded surface, which allowed the candle to sway and not stand up. We taped down the candle to a plate in order to for it to hold still. Another situation that occurred while testing the candles was that the movement of people in the house created small winds that may have affected the fire. Next time, instead of walking around, the candle should be placed in a closed environment where no unbalanced forces can be acted on the candles. These are the improvements that we would have made if conducting this experiment again. We suggest this project for you if you have an urging fascination for candles.
CHRISTINE: Reflection
In our research, we learned that candles burn on their own due to the wick. The candle absorbs heat due to the process of capillary action, a process in which the surface of a liquid comes in contact with a solid. We were surprised to know that the reason why a candle burns is because of the wick. We thought that the role of the wick was very miniscule but as it turns out the wick is the main source for a candle to burn. We wondered how the flame’s heat could stay upward constantly. We found out that when a candle burns, the flame heats the nearby air and starts to rise. We can confirm that the candle would vaporize the wax by breaking down the molecules; the heat that is given off from the candle radiates in all directions, thus melting the wax.
During our project, we all learned that a candle's burning rate is affected by its color. To our surprise, the orange candle burned the slowest. The white candle burned the fastest. Sally thought the white candle would burn the slowest, while the rest of us thought the white would burn the fastest. In the beginning of our project we tested one of our candles outside. On that day it was so windy that the flame of the candle would spastically fluctuate. Wendy had to put her hands around the flame to block the wind, which could have been very hazardous. To prevent any accidents, we didn't count that test and moved indoors to redo our trials. Another issue we had was trying to get the candle to stick onto the plate. We used tape but it wasn't as secure as we hoped it would be. To further this project, we can test if there are other variables that affect the way candles burn such as the scent of a candle.
Glossary: (bold these in the research report)
1. capillary action: the movement of a liquid within another material. It is a result of surface
tension that occurs when the liquid and the other surface come in contact with each other.
2. combustion: rapid oxidation accompanied by heat
3. flame retardant: resistant to catching on fire.
4. hydrocarbon: a combination of the elements hydrogen and carbon.
5. incandescent: having a filament which glows white-hot when heated by a current passed
through it.
6. paraffin: A flammable, whitish, translucent, waxy solid consisting of a mixture of saturated
hydrocarbon.
7. stearic acid: a component of animal and vegetable fats; used in paraffin wax.
8. vaporization: the process in which a liquid changes into vapor.
9. melting point: a temperature a wax reaches before melting.
10. wick: a cord or strand of loosely woven, twisted, or braided fibers that draws up fuel to the flame by capillary action
Works Cited:
Devries, D. "How Does a Candle Work?" 2013. Demand Media, Inc. http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4566281_a-candle-work.html
No author. “Decorative Candle Catalog.” 2013. WicksWorks.com. http://www.wicksworks.com/decorative-candles.html
No author. “Facts and Figures.” 2013. National Candle Association. http://www.candles.org/about_facts.html
No author. "History of Candles." 2013. National Candle Association. http://candles.org/about_history.html
No author. "The History of Candle Making." 2013. Candle Wic. http://www.candlewic.com/candlemaking-history.asp
No author. “The Science of Candles.” 2013. National Candle Association. http://www.candles.org/candlescience.html
Roth, K. "Chemistry of the Christmas Candle." 2003. Chemistry Views.
http://www.chemistryviews.org/details/ezine/1369631/Chemistry_of_the_Christmas_Candle__Part_1.html
Rubric for 2e.
Rubric for 2f- deadline extended to 4/30
You will get Tuesday class time (4/30) to make any additional revisions.
Must use 3rd person AND in-text citations for Purpose, History, Process, & Applications paragraphs.
Rubric for 5-6ab- deadline 5/3
You will get class time (4/30 & 5/2) to make additional revisions to your wikispace page.