What is the physics of fire?

“The physics of combustion determine when and where we have a fire. In general, fire will spread uphill. That’s because fire, like the sun, releases radiant energy that heats up the environment. Some of the energy is dissipated into the sky.

Why does fire look the way it does?

The pull of gravity draws colder, denser air down to the base of the flame, displacing the hot air, which rises. This convection process feeds fresh oxygen to the fire, which burns until it runs out of fuel. The upward flow of air is what gives a flame its teardrop shape and causes it to flicker.

What is the visible part of fire?

flame
The flame is the visible portion of the fire. Flames consist primarily of carbon dioxide, water vapor, oxygen and nitrogen. If hot enough, the gases may become ionized to produce plasma. Depending on the substances alight, and any impurities outside, the color of the flame and the fire’s intensity will be different.

What are we seeing when we see fire?

When you look at flames, you are seeing the results of a complex chemical reaction called pyrolysis. You’re seeing wood turned into gas, gas ignited by heat, and light from the excitement of electrons. The tearing releases chemical bonds, expending energy as heat and light.

What is the chemistry and physics of fire?

These elements are input heat, fuel, oxygen, proportioning, mixing, and ignition continuity. All of these elements are essential for both the initiation and continuation of the diffusion flame combustion process. The first three elements–input heat, fuel, and oxygen—are represented by the fire triangle.

What is fire science explain in detail?

Fire science is the study of all aspects of fire, from fire behavior to fire investigation. Many of those seeking to become a firefighter or obtain a career in fire prevention, protection, or safety might pursue a degree in fire science. Read on to find more information about fire science.

Why does fire glow?

Fire glows partially because of black body radiation and more so from atomic emission in which electrons transition through characteristic energy levels releasing photons of specific wavelengths depending upon materials in the flame. The glowing is simply due to the emission of electromagnetic radiation..or light.

Why does fire produce smoke?

Smoke occurs when there is incomplete combustion (not enough oxygen to burn the fuel completely). In complete combustion, everything is burned, producing just water and carbon dioxide. When incomplete combustion occurs, not everything is burned. Smoke is a collection of these tiny unburned particles.

Why does fire have no shadow?

A shadow is basically the absence of light. Fire doesn’t have a shadow cause fire is itself a source of light, so the wall or obstacle you’d be expecting it’s shadow to fall on, would instead be covered by the light from the fire. Hence, fire has no shadow.

Is fire a wave or particle?

Usually light is treated as either a wave or particles, because it behaves as such in some situations. The particles are called photons. Fire emits light, therefore fire creates photons from energy. The flame you see is air behaving as a plasma.