2006-07-04 08:49:37 · 4 answers · asked by kumvr 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
A flame will develope whenever gas is formed in a combustion reaction. This gas is produced at a high enough temperature to excite the electrons (usually of individual atoms) of the gas particles. When the electrons return to there "cooled" orbitals they emit light which we can see. The composition of the gas formed inside the flame will determine the color of the flame. For example sodium atoms will cause the flame to have a yellowish/orange color (try dropping a few small drops of tap water on a gas flame to see this). Butane gas produces a blueish flame. etc...
2006-07-10 05:07:45 · answer #1 · answered by mashkas 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
flames are energy being given off by the combustion of whatever it is you're burning. if it is wood, then it is the formation of carbon dioxide and water from carbohydrates in the wood, the former two are more stable than the carbohydrates and therefore energy is released (flame).
2006-07-04 09:37:51 · answer #2 · answered by The Frontrunner 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you see it - it's light. Which means photons. In other words, the combustion of whatever your burning causes that compound to chemically change and, while doing so, emits photons. Of course, these electro-magnetic waves (photons) have their wave length somewhere between 400 and 700 nanometers, or otherwise you wouldn't be able to see them.
2006-07-04 09:01:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flame is usually and expression of something that produce heat. Exothermic reactions satisfy this criteria, also nuclear reactions. Usually when you see something burning in ordinary life, it is due to combustion reactions.
2006-07-04 09:07:36 · answer #4 · answered by mrpoolny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋