2006-12-24 12:05:43 · 4 answers · asked by angela 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Oil is just a fuel for fire the same as anything else that burns. The only other thing you need is oxygen.
2006-12-24 12:19:49 · answer #1 · answered by Shawn H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's best to understand what fire is to understand the answer to this. Fire is caused by hyrdrocarbon molecules rapidly oxidizing. This means molecules of carbon and hydrogen mix with molecules of oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water. This reaction gives off heat, which is why fire is hot.
At a certain high temperature, these hydrocarbon molecules will combust and react with oxygen to make fire. Oil is such a hydrocarbon molecule, and since a fire is hot, throwing the oil on the fire causes the oil to burn too.
2006-12-24 13:11:19 · answer #2 · answered by Zach T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probaly because the chemicals in the oil
2006-12-24 12:08:12 · answer #3 · answered by Chris G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By burning.
2006-12-24 12:08:17 · answer #4 · answered by John's Secret Identity™ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋