Why is the ember of a cigarette harder than the non-burning tobacco alone?

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SUMMARY

The ember of a lit cigarette is harder than the non-burning tobacco due to the loss of moisture and the transformation of the tobacco into primarily carbon. This process alters the chemical bonds within the material, resulting in a more solid and sturdy structure at the glowing end. The combustion process plays a crucial role in this transformation, leading to the physical changes observed in the cigarette ember compared to loose tobacco.

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BrainSalad
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The glowing end of a lit cigarette appears to be more solid/sturdy/hard than the loose tobacco that makes it up.
This may be more of a chemistry question, but why is this?
 
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I'm not sure about the exact scientific explanation, but essentially that part has lost its moisture and is in the process of becoming primarily carbon. That alters the chemical bonds.
 

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