For example why can oils be burned but not water
2007-11-21 14:18:07 · 3 answers · asked by JaeMoney 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Liquids require that the ignition point temperature be exceeded. For example, you can light a match and insert it into kerosine, and most of the time it will go out.
Oils consist primarily of carbon and hydrogen. When some of it ignites in the presence of oxygen in the air, the energy released is sufficient to heat other regions of the nearby liquid.
In water, the igition of hydrogen, if it occurs at all, does not provide energy to heat other regions of the water.
2007-11-21 14:23:54 · answer #1 · answered by cattbarf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oil is a compound of Hydrogen and Carbon and, as such it can be used as a fuel by vaporisation, mixing with the correct amount of air and igniting. Hydrocarbons are a source of fuels (and other substances) and their vapour is flammable.
Combustion is an Oxidation Reaction.
Water, H2O is an Oxide of Hydrogen, water therefore, cannot be Oxidised further ...i.e. it is NOT flammable as the Hydrogen is already fully oxidised and, Oxygen doesn't burn.
2007-11-21 22:33:45 · answer #2 · answered by Norrie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oils have both hydrogen and carbon atoms that can be attacked by oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water.
The covalent bonds in water are simply too strong to be attacked by oxygen.
2007-11-21 22:25:48 · answer #3 · answered by Dennis M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋