Question

Draw a labelled diagram of a candle flame and explain what happens in each zone.

Answer 1

Hint:We use candles very frequently for light and heat.A candle is primarily made by solidifying wax and putting a wick in it, which is used to lighting up the candle. Candle uses wax as a form of fuel. Combustion takes place as a result of which heat and light is produced.

Complete step by step answer:
Let us attempt this question by first drawing out the basic structure of the candle along with its flame.

A candle flame can be divided into three zones (as seen in the diagram – zone 1, 2 and 3).

Zone 1 – It is the innermost zone of a flame. This appears are very dark blue or black in colour. This part consists of hot, unburnt vapors of the combustible fuel. This is least hot / coldest part of the flame.

Zone 2 – It is the middle zone of the flame. This part of flame appears yellow in colour. It is very bright and luminous. In this zone, the fuel vapors burn partially due to the limited access to air. This partial burning leads to the production of carbon particles, which appears as smoke and soot. It has a moderate temperature (between zone 1 and zone 3).

Zone 3 – It is the outermost zone of a flame. This part of flame appears blue in colour. In this zone, complete combustion takes place due to complete access of air around it. This is the hottest part of the flame and therefore, has the highest temperature. This is the thinnest zone.

Additional Information:Zone 1 is always formed near the wick of the candle.

Note:The light produced by the flame is majorly due to the middle zone, which is yellowish in colour. The same zone is also responsible for the creation of smoke.Whereas, the outermost zone is mainly responsible for producing heat.