Why is charcoal black and why does it turn white when burnt? Is is because of some kind of chemical reaction?

Question

Why is charcoal black and why does it turn white when burnt? Is is because of some kind of chemical reaction?

Answer 1

Black objects appear black because they absorb light of all visible wavelengths and reflect back very little. Charcoal ash can appear white because it reflects back most visible wavelengths equally.

The optical properties of the charcoal change when it is burned. Burning is a chemical reaction where the charcoal combines with oxygen, liberating heat and producing reactants of different chemical structure. Some of the reactants are gaseous and drift away. Other reactants are solids and compose the ash that is left over.

Answer 2

It is black because it is made from charred wood scraps and coal. Hence the name charcoal. The white is ash. Most anything that burns eventually turns to ash - and yes it's a chemical reaction - it's called heat.

Answer 3

Charcoal is almost pure carbon. When burnt turns to ash.