The Chemistry of Fire and Explosions
Combustion and explosions are chemistry at speed.
Rapid chemistry, rapid energy
By Peter Teoh, Science Writer
Fire is a fast oxidation reaction that releases heat and light. Explosions are the same chemistry, but faster and more confined.
Explainer: Fuel, oxygen, and heat
Focus: Combustion needs fuel, oxygen, and an ignition source. The reaction releases heat, which keeps the process going in a feedback loop.
Explosions occur when gases expand rapidly or when reactions release energy faster than it can dissipate. Confinement and particle size can make reactions drastically more violent.
Summary of Key Ideas:
- Combustion is rapid oxidation with heat release.
- Explosions involve rapid expansion and pressure.
- Reaction rate controls intensity.
Side Notes
- Dust explosions can happen in grain silos.
- Flame color depends on excited atoms and ions.
Trending Sidebar
- Safer fuels and combustion modeling.
- Fire dynamics research.
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