how is it that we can see flame? is it even considered matter? wad form is it if it is matter?

Answer 1

You asked a very good question. This very question plagued me for many years since childhood. I commend you for asking this question because most people take the experience of fire for granted and never even thinking about what it is.

Fire is the result of a chemical process (specifically it is the oxidation of carbon which results in the release of energy, aka heat, and carbon dioxide). So fire is NOT matter, and it is NOT the fourth phase of anything.

So what exactly are we looking at then when we look at fire? First, you are looking at the photons being released when a carbon atom is combined with 2 oxygen atoms. The carbon comes from the material being burned, which can be a piece of wood, charcoal or paper. The oxygen comes from the air (of course). But aside from visible light, you can also feel heat which is basically light in the infrared wavelength range.

Now if you look closely, you will notice (1) the flame has different color, and (2) it wavers and shapeshifts in the air. The colors are due to the different temperatures that the burning process has achieved. Blue is hottest, then white, yellow, orange and red. The shape of the flame is basically where oxidation and release of energy is taking place. It can waver and change shape because (1) there can be air currents, and (2) the release of heat itself generates air currents that causes the flame to waver or shapeshifts.

Answer 2

how is it you can see a light bulb or the sun e.g.
do you think sun or the lightbulb or a furnace is not matter?

it is usually gaseous, sometimes with solid carbon particles as well - and the burging chemicals/gases give out the light and heat.

got it - wad form of matter that is?
duh!

Answer 3

A flame is energy, a by product of fire. Fire is the rapid oxidation of a combustible material accompanied by the release of energy in the form of heat and light.

Answer 4

yes it is a phase of matter. It's the fourth phase of matter called 'plasma'. We see flame because the electrons are in an excited state. and the energy they posess is released in the form of light energy. I got this from my bro.

Answer 5

Fire isn't matter but the chemical reaction of fire gives off light and heat among other things.

Answer 6

Fire is classified as a chemical reaction which gives off light and heat.

Answer 7

we can see flame bcus the fuel say candle is incompletely oxidised...and there is of course matter in it.....it is in gaseous state....if it is further oxidised it'll look red,yellow,then blue and s on...

Answer 8

Its rapid oxidation of matter.

Answer 9

we can see it because it'is incandescent gases and carbon.