2006-10-30 18:33:19 · 12 answers · asked by will t 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Good question.
The reason some things burn and some things melt (most do both, actually) is that burning and melting are two very different processes. Though it's easy to think of them as being similar (both being caused by extreme heat), melting and burning are different types of changes that can occur to a substance.
Melting is a physical change that causes the bonds between molecules to weaken, allowing the molecules out of their crystal lattice and causing them to flow like a liquid.
Burning is a chemical change that breaks the bonds between the atoms within the molecules (or forming new bonds), forming whole new substances. What we usually consider burning is a combustion reaction, where a substance combines with oxygen in an exothermic (realeases heat) reaction.
So the reason that some things burn and some melt has to do with the molecular structure of the substance in question as well as its (and its atoms') tendencies to react to other substances. Copper, for example, is a metal that melts at 1357K, but if you stick a copper wire into a bunsen burner, you can actually burn the copper (making a neat green flame).
Hope this helps.
2006-10-30 18:52:51 · answer #1 · answered by CubicMoo 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well, even things that melt burn. So, the some things that melt, still burn. The things that burn actually melt but it passes through the liquid stage so quick you don't notice it. So I guess everthing burns and melts.
2006-10-31 02:42:51 · answer #2 · answered by William J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Each substance has a individual melting point and a boiling point. Melting point simply refers to the trasnformation from solid to liquid. Boiling refers to liquid changing to gas. burning is actually the reaction of one substance with another which produces enough joules of energy to produce heat. burning also implies that there is a reaction involving a substance in gaseous form. all substances can melt, it is just that they melt at different temperatures. However not all substances are reactive enough to produce a chemical reaction which can produce sufficient heat to show a noticeable rise in temperature. melting is a phyiscal process and burning is a chemical reaction.
2006-10-31 03:28:25 · answer #3 · answered by Kfewsy07 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because different substances have different melting points. So, if you put Iron and ice in a pot heated to 32F, the ice will melt. But the Iron will react with Oxygen (burn) to rust.To melt Iron (not Iron oxide), 2804F is needed!
2006-10-31 15:08:14 · answer #4 · answered by Palestini Detective 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's because of something called heat. It just has a way of causing some things to burn and others to melt.
2006-10-31 02:35:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because they have different temperatures that they ignite at. Have you ever seen people putting a lighted flame all over their arms? If you have then the flame is actually very cool because they are using a substance that ignites at very low temp and therefore not hot enough to burn skin. Don't try it unless under guidance of someone who knows about flash points, etc!
2006-10-31 02:42:50 · answer #6 · answered by Consumerissues 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
CubicMoo has showed a perfect answer!
2006-10-31 03:03:30 · answer #7 · answered by fritz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the structure of molechularity
2006-10-31 02:36:22 · answer #8 · answered by thaheartoflife 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
MOLECULAR STRUCTURING AND THE FLAMABILITY LEVELS OF THOSE THINGS.
2006-10-31 02:43:46 · answer #9 · answered by macho knatcos 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
kalzium for win32 ;)
http://linux.softpedia.com/progDownload/Kalzium-Download-2404.html
2006-10-31 02:57:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋