Lighting a candle is an example of _____.

Changes can be categorized as either physical changes or chemical changes. Physical changes are those that do not involve any change in the chemical composition of the material. A phase change (such as melting) is a common example of a physical change. Chemical changes, on the other hand, involve changes in the chemical composition of a substance. Oxidation, hydrolysis, etc. are examples of chemical changes.

When we light a candle, few changes take place. The wax melts and converts to liquid form. But chemically it still is wax and its chemical composition remains the same. Thus, a physical change occurs. When the wick burns, it produces soot and gases. The chemical composition of the material changes during this process and hence this represents a chemical change.

Thus, lighting a candle is an example of both a physical change and a chemical change.

Hope this helps.