The Basic Characteristics of Fire
Fire is a process of oxidation that releases light and heat. The various reaction products of fire are gases, such as smoke and ash. Fire has many different types, and it can occur in any environment. Read on to learn more about the basic characteristics of fire. This article is divided into three sections: Com, Flames, and Smoke. Hopefully, these will help you understand these important aspects of fire better. But before you begin studying the different types of fire, you should familiarize yourself with the different processes.
Com
The reasons for committing fire vary. Some of the most common reasons for fire-setting are pyromania and revenge. The latter two are commonly attributed to youth, who are most likely to commit such crimes, and schools are often the target of such acts. However, some fires are set for completely different reasons. For example, a person might do it out of excitement, while others are committed for sexual gratification. Whatever the reason, it is still illegal to intentionally set fire to a building, or even a vehicle.
Combustion
When a fire breaks out, its most basic characteristic is combustion. Its characteristics include combustible and oxidizer gases. The two elements are governed by very different processes. In the case of combustion, the gas phase must cool down before the combustible gas can be extinguished by water droplets. Water droplets have a small diameter and contribute a significant amount of water vapour to the fire. This process is called gas cooling or smoke cooling.
Flames
Fire is a rapidly reacting body of gas that gives off light and heat. It is self-propagating due to the effect of heat conduction and diffusion. The front of the flame contains unburned mixture of fuel and air that combusts at an ignition temperature. The resulting heat then flows back to the inner cone, where it propagates the flame. Ultimately, the fire spreads and consumes the surrounding air.
Smoke
A fire will produce smoke, a mixture of gases and particles. It contains various chemicals and is not always predictable. The amount of oxygen in the air, the temperature, and the type of fuel used to ignite the fire all affect the composition of smoke. Some compounds that can be combustible are found in the air, such as paint, glue, electronics, and carpets. Exposure to smoke can cause various diseases. These diseases are caused by the buildup of toxins in the air, which can impede the functioning of the heart and the lungs.
Convection
One of the basic theories of fire is that the heat that burns in a confined space is transferred through the medium. This process occurs through two main mechanisms: conduction and convection. Conduction is the transfer of heat through movement of heat-resistant materials, such as liquids, gases, and solids. The latter transfer heat from the source to the sinking fluid. Convection occurs between hot gases in a fire that are rising. The greater the velocity, the more rapidly hot gases transfer heat to nearby surfaces.
Conduction
While some materials are combustible, many are not. The most common of these is wood. However, some materials, such as metal, are not combustible. These materials can still transfer heat to the next material. The heat that the fire generates spreads with conduction. For instance, metals can reach high temperatures and ignite when they are set on paper. This is due to electromagnetic waves that can spread the heat from one material to another.
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