2007-01-21 15:12:17 · 4 answers · asked by hinnie22001 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
I think it has to do with the fact there is oxygen all around the splinter (360 degrees). The same amount of wood attached to the log only has oxygen on one side.
2007-01-21 15:20:11 · answer #1 · answered by kelsey 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
All burning is is somethign being oxidized quickly. In order for something to oxidize it has to have an oxygen source, such as air. A splinter has a much greater surface area to mass ratio than a whole log of the same material.
2007-01-22 00:03:35 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. Fisher 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The burning "reaction" is influenced by the surface area. A splinter has a higher ratio of surface area than a log does, so it will burn faster.
2007-01-21 23:15:57 · answer #3 · answered by reb1240 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
a log is bigger
2007-01-21 23:20:07 · answer #4 · answered by amnm222 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋