Chapter 11, Problem 11.14PAE

Candle wax is a mixture of hydrocarbons. In the reaction of oxygen with candle w ax in Figure 11.2, the rate of consumption of oxygen decreased with time after the flask was covered, and eventually' the flame went out. From the perspective of the kinetic-molecular theory, describe what is happening in the flask.

FIGURE 11.2 When a candle burns in a closed container, the flame will diminish and eventually go out. As the amount of oxygen present decreases, the rate of combustion will also decrease. Eventually, the rate of combustion is no longer sufficient to sustain the flame even though there is still some oxygen present in the vessel.