Mystery of Candle Wax: Solving the Liquid to Solid Transition

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    Mystery Wax
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of liquid wax transitioning from transparent to opaque upon solidification, similar to the behavior observed in water and cooking oil. Participants note that this change is attributed to molecular reorganization during the freezing phase transition, which affects light interaction. Specifically, the opaque appearance results from diffraction and scattering of light due to the arrangement of aliphatic carbon chains in wax and lipids. The conversation highlights the importance of molecular structure in determining the optical properties of substances.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of phase transitions, particularly freezing and melting.
  • Basic knowledge of molecular structure, specifically aliphatic chains.
  • Familiarity with light interaction phenomena such as diffraction and scattering.
  • Concepts of transparency and opacity in materials science.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the molecular structure of aliphatic hydrocarbons and their impact on light properties.
  • Explore the principles of light diffraction and scattering in different materials.
  • Investigate the phase transition behaviors of various lipids and waxes.
  • Study the optical properties of crystalline versus amorphous solids.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in chemistry, materials science, and physics, particularly those interested in the optical properties of substances and phase transition phenomena.

hooli
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I was having a glass of wine over candlelight and I noticed that the liquid wax was completely transparent but turned opaque when when the wax solidified. Why does this happen? Clearly, when the molecules reorganize during the freezing phase transition they begin to interact with the light.

I know this can also happen with water but I not sure it's for the same reason, because the most organized ice is clear. Only when the crystalline structure is disturbed (the ice is fractured, aerated, etc.) does the solid water become opaque. So it seems that the transparent liquid to opaque solid transition in water is due to repeated diffraction and scattering, leading to reflection. Is this the same reason it happens in wax? If so, what molecular changes bring this about?
 
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I just froze some cooking oil (sesame seed) and found the same phenomenon occurred which leads me to think it has something to do with the aliphatic chains in wax and lipids. Any thoughts how a substance could be either transparent of opaque depending on the organization of carbon chains?

All thoughts and speculations welcome
 
I don't have an answer for you, but am posting to say that freezing the cooking oil was an inspired idea and the mark of a scientist!
 

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