No, I'm not a moron, I know what fire is. I just want to know what type of matter it is, because it isn't light.
2007-06-26 13:54:41 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It depends on what is burning. The hindenburg was a result of oxygen reacting with hydrogen. The process radiated light, which is what you actually see.
While burning wood, the heat decomposes the log and releases flammable, organic gasses above the log, which then burns (reacts with oxygen). You see the light coming from above the log because the light is radiated from the gases at that point.
The point is, the matter that radiates the light you see is dependent on what matter you are burning.
2007-06-26 14:31:39 · answer #1 · answered by Michael S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The process is oxidation, but the actual fire is the matter, in gaseous or solid form, which is undergoing the process. Light is produced because of the heat and activity.
2007-06-26 21:08:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whoever told you fire is a form of matter or light is a form of matter is pulling your leg. Fire is just one example of the chemical reaction of oxidation.
2007-06-27 01:00:03 · answer #3 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The flame itself is gas or vapor that is in the process of oxidizing.
2007-06-26 21:01:43 · answer #4 · answered by William D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's energy. It was matter before it ignited.
2007-06-26 21:04:22 · answer #5 · answered by Wrath Warbone 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋