What is fire?

Question

We know that fire is the biproduct of the rapid decomposition of a substance, such as wood. We also know how to use it, classify it based on it's heat and color, and handle it. But, *what is it*? What does fire itself consist of? With sophisticated enough technology, could we theoretically capture fire particles, or condense them into a liquid or a solid? What are actual fire particles, or are there any particles? Even light consists of photons, and all energy is essentially matter on one level or another.

Answer 1

Fire is a chemical reaction, NOT a particle, NOT an element (as Aristotle thought), NOT matter, NOT anything tangible. What we see as fire is merely the byproduct of a self-sustaining reaction by which heat breaks the bond between molecules (producing more heat). This combination of light and heat and sometimes smoke is what we call "fire". You can no more "capture particles" of it then you can capture sound waves and put it in a jar.

Answer 2

Gas

Burning is a chemical reaction that produces gases,
1) the gases are hot so they rise,
2) the molecules of the gas emit light since they are ionized in the reaction

these two properties together give us the rising streams of light which we call fire

the end
.

Answer 3

fire is a high heat energy that can be dangerous
and can be used as light energy wave

Answer 4

Too bad Carl Sagan passed away...