Answer to Question #142548 in Biochemistry for S A

Question

why the smell of a scented candle is stronger when the candle is burning science

Answer 1

The smell of an aromatic candle is stronger when the candle is lit, because when the candle is heated, the number of essential oil molecules that make up the candle increases, which can break away from the main substance. They will spread in the air by diffusion and convection currents. This leads to an increase in the concentration of essential oil molecules in the air. A person perceives the power of a substance's aroma, depending on its concentration in the air. A high concentration of essential oil molecules leads to an increase in the number of inhaled aromatic particles, the more odorous substance molecules are brought by the flow of inhaled air to the olfactory zone receptors, the stronger the smell is felt. The number of essential oil molecules in a resting candle that can break away from the main substance will be much smaller. Consequently, the concentration of essential oil molecules in the air will be less than when the candle is lit, which is perceived by a person as a lower strength of the smell of an aromatic candle.