Waxes

Waxes are a class of organic compounds that are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. They are made up of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols. Waxes are found in nature as a protective coating on the surface of leaves, fruits, and animal fur. They also have various industrial uses, such as in the production of candles, polishes, and waterproof coatings.

Chemical Structure

Waxes are esters of long-chain fatty acids and long-chain alcohols. This means that they are formed by the reaction between a fatty acid and an alcohol, resulting in the formation of a covalent bond known as an ester bond. The long hydrophobic chains in waxes make them water-resistant and give them their characteristic properties.

Natural Sources

Waxes are commonly found in nature, where they serve as a protective coating on the surface of plants and animals. Beeswax, for example, is produced by honeybees and used to build honeycomb cells. Carnauba wax is derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm and is used in various applications, including in cosmetics and car waxes.

Industrial Uses

Waxes have a wide range of industrial uses. They are used in the production of candles, where they serve as the fuel and provide the wick with a slow, steady burn. Waxes are also used in polishes for furniture, floors, and cars, as they provide a protective and shiny coating. Additionally, waxes are used in the production of waterproof coatings for fabrics and paper products.

Study Guide

What are waxes made of?
Give an example of a natural source of wax.
What are some industrial uses of waxes?
How are waxes chemically structured?

Understanding the chemical structure, natural sources, and industrial uses of waxes is important for understanding their unique properties and wide range of applications.

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. The Movement of Ocean Water

Study Guide

The Movement of Ocean Water

Worksheet/Answer key

The Movement of Ocean Water

Worksheet/Answer key

The Movement of Ocean Water

Worksheet/Answer key

The Movement of Ocean Water

Vocabulary/Answer key

The Movement of Ocean Water

Vocabulary/Answer key

The Movement of Ocean Water

The resources above cover the following skills:

Earth/Space Science: Students will use scientific skills and processes to explain the chemical and physical interactions (i.e., natural forces and cycles, transfer of energy) of the environment, Earth, and the universe that occur over time.

Interactions of Hydrosphere and Atmosphere: Cite evidence to explain the relationship between the hydrosphere and atmosphere.

Identify and describe how the temperature and precipitation in a geographic area are affected by surface features and changes in atmospheric and ocean content: Relative location of mountains; Volcanic eruptions; Proximity to large bodies of water; Heat energy of ocean currents.

Interactions of Hydrosphere and Atmosphere: Recognize and describe the various factors that affect climate.

Identify and describe how the temperature and precipitation of an area are affected by surface and ocean features: Relative location of mountains; Proximity to large bodies of water; Warm and cold ocean currents.

Recognize and describe the global effects of volcanic eruptions, greenhouse gases, and El Nino.