chemistry
2007-09-02 02:54:42 · 11 answers · asked by Marcial M 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Don't do either to test this but the empty one is more dangerous I believe. In combustion engines if the engine is flooded with gasoline it won't start because the spark plug is wet with liquid gasoline. Gasoline vapors are what ignite.
2007-09-02 02:59:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Putting a match into a new empty tank, which has never had gas in it is safe. If you meant a newly or recently emptied tank you or your kid brother (conscripted assistant) is likely to be blown up. It is full of gasoline fumes, easily ignitable.
In theory you can put a mach into liquid gasoline without ot it igniting BUT you must be fast, very fast. The liquid can't burn but the match getting close to the gasoline will volatilze the lquid. The fumes mixed with air (oxygen specifically) will ignite and the heat from that will volatilize more liquid and so on. Big boom. Big no - no.
If you feel compelled to try the exxperiment do it under the coldest conditions you can. Practice first with small amount of chilled alcohol.
2007-09-02 03:07:32 · answer #2 · answered by dougger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A recently emptied or near empty gas tank will contain a very explosive mixture of gasoline fumes and air. A full gas tank will have no air, so will not burn explosively; because the only place where there is oxygen will be at the very top, where the lid is.
That is the theoretical basis, and explains why so many people have been badly burnt, thinking that an empty gas tank is not dangerous. However, I think it would be extremely foolish to try this out experimentally on a full can of gas; at least not with me in the room, thanks..
2007-09-02 03:09:32 · answer #3 · answered by AndrewG 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there are vapors in the empty one. The empty one. Put the match fast enough into the full one and the liquid gasoline will put the match out.
However I do hope this is just a theoretical question. Otherwise I would like to get a life insurance policy on you with me as a beneficary...
2007-09-02 03:11:23 · answer #4 · answered by Bob D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do the most inane questions generate the most responses? Why would anyone need to put a lit match into a gas tank, whether full or empty?
2007-09-02 03:09:38 · answer #5 · answered by Fly On The Wall 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theres nothing dangerous in a full fuel tank.It will start burning till its empty,but a empty container of any sort is very dangerous because of the fumes inside.So theres your answer from me.never put any flame of any sort to a empty container.
2007-09-02 03:06:10 · answer #6 · answered by spoornetspanner 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A full one is more dangerous because that would probably cause the whole tank to burst into flames instantly. If it was empty the process would be much slower, so it is a little less dangerous.
2007-09-02 02:59:49 · answer #7 · answered by claire k 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
if the new one has never had gas in it the full one is more dangerous if it did have gas in it and is now empty it is the most dangerous because the fumes ignite quicker than the liquid
2007-09-02 03:02:54 · answer #8 · answered by furmanator1957 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
throw one into a full can it will go out. throw one into an empty can it will blow because of vapors. its the same reason an empty gas tanker is more dangerous than a full one. gas will burn vapors explode.
2007-09-02 03:04:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
putting one into a full tank of gasoline more fuel
2007-09-02 02:57:38 · answer #10 · answered by firefighter 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋