What is the chemical change when a wax taper is lit?

When a wax taper is lit, a chemical change called combustion occurs. Combustion is a rapid chemical reaction between a fuel (in this case, the wax) and an oxidant (usually oxygen in the air) that produces heat and light energy. In the case of a wax taper, the wax molecules break down into smaller molecules like carbon dioxide and water vapor, releasing energy in the form of heat and light.