With all thr differing particulets in our atmosphere could they somehow be ignited?
2007-08-27 15:47:26 · 6 answers · asked by Stephen T 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Without a catalyst, normal atmospheric air doesn't contain enough fuel to maintain an oxidation reaction, certainly at any 'ordinary' temperature. Nitrogen oxidizes, but again usually requiring a catalyst. Locally, air can contain enough hydrogen, hydrocarbons (propane, gasoline vapor) or particulates (flour dust) to combust explosively.
2007-08-27 20:52:21 · answer #1 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
believe it not, this was an actual concern when they first tested the atomic bomb !
some of the scientists believed that severe temperatures could ignite the atmosphere.
the fact that this does not happen is an important piece of experimental evidence that even at temperatures of 10 million deg C ( thermonuclear ignition ) , there is not enough oxygen to ignite the atmosphere.
the answer is a NO.
( no higher temperatures are practically possible )
2007-08-27 16:34:33 · answer #2 · answered by fullbony 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there were enough oxygen in the atmosphere to do so (which I doubt there is) I would say yeah but as of right now I'd say not it's not.
2007-08-27 15:54:06 · answer #3 · answered by Robby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The atmosphere (and all the junk we contribute to it) is non-combustible. So no, its not possible. If it were, every Space shuttle would have burnt it already when passing through.
2007-08-27 15:55:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Much of our atmosphere consists of Nitrogen, about 78%. Nitrogen does not support combustion, instead it extinguishes flames.
2007-08-27 16:03:56 · answer #5 · answered by delta dawn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when the first nuclear bomb was tested they were afraid of just that. that a chain reaction would be created that would engulf our entire atmosphere. If a nuke won't do it nothing will
2007-08-27 15:58:45 · answer #6 · answered by rcoli 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋