Fire in Space?

Question

If I were on a space ship traveling to the Moon or elsewhere, and decided to light a cigar using a match or ciggarette lighter, would the oxegen explode and thus blow-up the entire ship?

Answer 1

ummmm no....

Answer 2

I wouldn't think it would be a good idea, as the cigar smoke would give everyone a dose of second-hand smoke. But it would not explode any more than Fidel causes Cuba to explode when he lights one of those Cuban cigars. The percentage of oxygen in the spacecraft has to be such that people can breathe there.

Answer 3

Depends on the percentage of oxygen in the ship.

The tragic deaths by fire of three American astronauts was due to early attempts to use pure oxygen in their capsule. Since then the USA doesn't use pure oxygen.

In 21% oxygen atmosphere things would burn as they normally do.

That said, I cannot imagine that anyone would be allowed to light a match, cigarette, or cigar in a space ship. Oxygen is far too precious, and smoking is not healthy.

Answer 4

If you're thinking about bringing a cigar into space and intending to light it, you should be left behind. The air is enclosed, and you wouldn't want to unneccessarily pollute it.

That said, no, you wouldn't cause an explosion. The oxygen in your spaceship will be at the same partial pressure as the oxygen on earth. Your match may not burn normally unless you're moving it continuously; without gravity, the warm waste gases (carbon dioxide) won't rise away from your match.

Answer 5

If you are driving a car and light a match, that does not explode.
Same thing as spaceship.

Explosion occurs when the is rapid combustion of fuel mix with enough oxygen.

If the cavity you are in do not have fuel, that should not explode.

Answer 6

no.due to the lack of gravity,in space fire forms a dome shape.besides air doesn't spontaneously explode.otherwise the entire planet would be in flames!!!

Answer 7

i dont think so i think it will not light due to the atmosphere outside