since water contains oxygen, w/ the fuel n the heat of the water, is it possible 2 start a fire in the water?
2006-08-03 22:32:02 · 19 answers · asked by lost 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
It is possible, depending on the flashpoint of the fuel. As long as it below 100*C (which it wont be, because fuels are organics which have stable structures, thus higher flashpoints) - the highest temperature H2O (liquid, not vapor) can goto at STP (Standard Temp. and Press.). You have to understand that the fuel will not ignite in the water, rather at the surface of the water, were the oxygen rich environment is more suitable for combustion to occur.
Say for example, you have Ethanol, or even Propanol (two highly flammable organic solutions), If you boil a mixture of either with water, it will ignite, only at the level of the surface, and higher. Hope all this helps.
2006-08-03 22:35:01 · answer #1 · answered by Phillip R 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
There is no fuel/accelerant. Oxygen is not a fuel.
You need 3 things to make fire.
1.) Fuel
2.) Heat
3.) Oxygen
Notice #3 and #1 are different. If oxygen was a fuel the air around us would burst into flames for no reason.
Now, if you actually want to start a fire. Toss some kerosene in that boiling water and light it up.
2006-08-04 05:36:27 · answer #2 · answered by bombhaus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not by your reasoning. The oxygen in water is already bonded to hydrogen and unavailable for the combustion reaction without modification (i.e., a chemical reaction occurs to generate oxygen molecules... although most budding junior scientists quickly switch their focus to the more interesting generation of (explosive) hydrogen molecules).
As others have pointed out, it is certainly possible to have a "fire" (rapid combustion) within or on water as long as the criteria of the "fire triangle" are met.
2006-08-04 07:29:03 · answer #3 · answered by ChemDoc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can accelerate a fire with hot water. This is when hot steam or water is applied to a very hot surface. The process called disassociation causes the rapid change of water to hydrogen and oxygen and yes oh my thats a big bang...but no.....you cant set fire to water at 100°c or start a fire in it. Might be interested in sonoluminescence tho.....take a look...
2006-08-04 05:37:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope. No way to do that. Heat doesn't necessarily mean fire can occur. For a fire you need oxygen and a fuel source. Water will not burn.
2006-08-04 05:36:32 · answer #5 · answered by Greg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. water contains oxygen in dissolved state.. when water boils.. water vapour comes out but O2 in its free form is not available directly.. so u cant start start fire.
2006-08-04 05:36:30 · answer #6 · answered by Gopi Krishna L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, 2 molecules of hydrogen and 1 molecule oxygen don´t dissociate at water boiling point.
Water evaporates at 100°C. Vapor is minute particles of water at 100 °C at condense at lower temperature, so it will not ignite.
2006-08-04 17:55:58 · answer #7 · answered by stroby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
just put an excellerant fuel on top and a heat source for ignition
oil and water don't mix but oil rises up and burns with ignition
ps.
fire requires oxygen
2006-08-04 05:41:45 · answer #8 · answered by getit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I would say this. If you're boiling water,forget about the pan on the stove,water boils away, pot emptys,bottom burns and pan catches fire. So, yes, I would say ya could!
2006-08-04 05:37:50 · answer #9 · answered by andie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes we can start fire in boiling water but only a small amount
2006-08-04 05:39:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋