During the combustion of a candle, which two substances primarily react with each other?

• A. Wax (hydrocarbon) and nitrogen
• B. Wax (hydrocarbon) and oxygen
• C. Wax (hydrocarbon) and water vapor
• D. Wax (hydrocarbon) and carbon dioxide

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the main components involved in the combustion of a candle. The candle wax is primarily a hydrocarbon, which means it is composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
2. Recall the general combustion reaction for hydrocarbons, which involves the hydrocarbon reacting with oxygen (O\_2) from the air to produce carbon dioxide (CO\_2) and water (H\_2O).
3. Understand that nitrogen (N\_2) is abundant in air but does not typically react during combustion; it mostly acts as an inert gas in this context.
4. Recognize that water vapor and carbon dioxide are products of combustion, not reactants, so they do not react with the wax during the process.
5. Conclude that the two substances primarily reacting during candle combustion are the wax (hydrocarbon) and oxygen.