13 - Fire Behaviour

Question 1

Pyrolysis:

Answer 1

The chemical decomposition of a solid material by heating

Question 2

Specific gravity:

the _____ of the _____ of a given _____ of a_____ compared with the _____ of an _____ _____ of _____ at the same _____.

Answer 2

The ratio of the mass of a given volume of a liquid compared with the mass of an equal volume of water at the same temperature.

Question 3

Vaporization:

Answer 3

Is the transformation of a liquid to vapour or gaseous state

Question 4

Flashpoint

Is the _____ _____ at which a _____ gives off _____ _____ to form an _____ mixture with the air near the _____ _____

Answer 4

Is the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off sufficient vapours to form an ignitable mixture with the air near the liquid’s surface

Question 5

Fire Point

Is the temperature at which sufficient vapours are being generated to sustain the combustion reaction

Answer 5

Is the temperature at which sufficient vapours are being generated to sustain the combustion reaction

Question 6

Fire: A rapid oxidation process, which is a chemical reaction resulting in the evolution of light and heat in varying intensities.

Answer 6

Fire: A rapid oxidation process, which is a chemical reaction resulting in the evolution of light and heat in varying intensities.

Question 7

Combustion: A chemical process of oxidation that occurs at a rate fast enough to produce heat and usually light in the form of either a glow or flame.

Answer 7

Combustion: A chemical process of oxidation that occurs at a rate fast enough to produce heat and usually light in the form of either a glow or flame.

Question 8

Solubility: Describes the extent to which a substance will miz with water

Answer 8

Solubility: Describes the extent to which a substance will miz with water

Question 9

Thermal layering: Thermal layering develops during fires within confined spaces. Thermal layering is the tendency of gases to form into layers according to temperature

Answer 9

Thermal layering: Thermal layering develops during fires within confined spaces. Thermal layering is the tendency of gases to form into layers according to temperature

Question 10

Two modes of combustion

Answer 10

Non-flaming combustion
Flaming combustion

Question 11

Products of combustion

Answer 11

Thermal energy
Smoke
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Dioxide
Hydrogen Cyanide
Flame
Irritants

Question 12

Common sources of thermal energy

Answer 12

Chemical energy
Self heating
Spontaneous ignition
Electrical energy
Resistance overheating
Overcurrent
Arcing
Sparking
Mechanical energy
Adiabatic compression
Friction
Friction sparks

Question 13

Precursors to flashover

Answer 13

Free burning
High temperatures
Heavy dark smoke
Roll over

Question 14

Backdraft indicators

Answer 14

Building indicators
Smoke indicators
Airflow indicators
Heat indicators
Flame indicators

Question 15

The _____ ______ in the air is a very______ fuel with a ______ range of
______% to ______%. It ignites at ______C causing a sharp spike in the room’s temperature.
This temperature spike is generally the trigger to ignite all of the other contents in the
room and a ______ occurs.

Answer 15

The carbon monoxide in the air is a very combustible fuel with a flammable range of
12.5% to 74%. It ignites at 609C causing a sharp spike in the room’s temperature.
This temperature spike is generally the trigger to ignite all of the other contents in the
room and a flashover occurs.