CHAPTER 1 MIDTERMS Flashcards
Is useful in man’s existence in planet Earth.
FIRE
Three elements necessary to create/produced fire in equal proportion.
FIRE TRIANGLE THEORY
Stages/step wherein fire is created.
LIFE CYCLE OF FIRE THEORY
The fourth element of fire known as the “Chemical Chain Reaction”.
FIRE TETRAHEDRON THEORY
The fourth element of fire known as the _____.
CHEMICAL CHAIN REACTION
Three ways to extinguish a fire:
- REDUCE THE TEMPERATURE
- CUT-OFF THE OXYGEN SUPPLY
- REMOVE THE FUEL
A form of energy measured in degree of temperature, the product of combustion that caused the spread of fire.
HEAT
A colorless and odorless gas and one of the compositions of air that supports fire which is approximately 21% by volume.
OXYGEN
How much oxygen is required for a complete combustion?
16%
How much oxygen does normal air contain?
21%
Any substance/combustibles which react chemically with oxygen and produces flames.
FUEL
The physical state of the fuel:
- SOLID
- LIQUID
- GAS
Molecules are closely packed together.
SOLID
Molecules are loosely packed.
LIQUID
Molecules are free to moved.
GAS
Describes the three elements of a fire.
FIRE TRIANGLE
Another explanation of the requirement of combustion uses a four-sided figure called _____, a new theory that explains combustion and extinguishment.
TETRAHEDRON
Material/substance that yield oxygen or oxidizing gases during the process of a chemical reaction.
OXYGEN (OXIDIZING AGENT)
Material or substance being burned in the combustion process.
FUEL (REDUCING AGENT)
The oxygen in a combustion reaction is known as the _____.
OXIDIZING AGENT
The fuel in a combustion reaction is known as the _____.
REDUCING AGENT
The energy component of the fire tetrahedron.
HEAT (TEMPERATURE)
The heat in a combustion reaction is known as the _____.
TEMPERATURE
A series of events that occur in sequence with the result of each individual reaction being added to the rest.
SELF-SUSTAINED CHEMICAL REACTION
Causes pyrolysis or vaporization of solid and liquid fuels and the production of ignitable vapours or gases.
COMBUSTION REACTION/PROCESS
Provides the energy necessary for ignition.
COMBUSTION REACTION/PROCESS
Causes the continuous production and ignition of fuel vapours or gases to continue the combustion reaction.
COMBUSTION REACTION/PROCESS
Types of Energy
- CHEMICAL ENERGY
- ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- NUCLEAR ENERGY
- MECHANICAL ENERGY
- HEAT
- LIGHTS
The most common source of heat in combustion reactions. Energy released as a result of a chemical reaction such as combustion. When any combustibles are in contact with oxygen oxidation occurs.
CHEMICAL ENERGY
When any combustibles are in contact with oxygen _____ occurs.
OXIDATION
An energy developed when electrons flow through a conductor. Can generate temperatures high enough to ignite any combustible materials near the heated gases.
ELECTRICAL ENERGY
Factors involving electrical heating:
A. CURRENT FLOW THROUGH A RESISTANCE
B. ARCING
C. SPARKING
D. STATIC
E. LIGHTNING
An energy generated when atoms either split apart (fission) or combine (fusion).
NUCLEAR ENERGY
This happens when atoms split apart.
FISSION
This happens when atoms combine.
FUSION
An energy created by friction and compression.
MECHANICAL ENERGY
The movement of two surfaces against each other. The movement produced sparks being generated.
HEAT OF FRICTION
Heat is generated when a gas is compressed in a contained or cylinder.
HEAT OF COMPRESSION
Types of Mechanical Energy
- POTENTIAL ENERGY
- KINETIC ENERGY
An energy possessed by an object that can be released in the future.
POTENTIAL ENERGY
An energy possessed by a moving object.
KINETIC ENERGY
A visible radiation created at the atomic level such flame produced during combustion.
LIGHTS
Is a complex sequence of exothermic chemical reactions between fuel and an oxidant accompanied by the production of both heat and light in the form of either a glow or flames, appearance of light flickering.
COMBUSTION OR BURNING
Is a reaction mediated by radical intermediates. The conditions for radical production are naturally produced by thermal runaway, where the heat generated by combustion is necessary to maintain the high temperature necessary for radical production.
DIRECT COMBUSTION BY ATMOSPHERIC OXYGEN
A compound reacts with an oxidizing element, such as oxygen or fluorine, and the products are compounds of each element in the fuel with the oxidizing agent.
COMPLETE COMBUSTION
Self-sustaining chemical reaction producing energy or products that cause more reactions of the same kind. It is an exothermic reaction.
COMBUSTION
Is a rapid, self-sustaining oxidization process accompanied by the release of heat and light of different intensities. The time it makes a reaction to occur determines the type of reaction that is observed.
FIRE
At the very slow end of the time spectrum is _____, where the reaction is too slow to be observed.
OXIDATION
At the faster end of the spectrum are _____ that result from the rapid reaction of a fuel and oxidizer.
EXPLOSIONS
The chemical process whereby fire consumes the most solid part of the fuel. It is the thermal decomposition of a solid fuel through the action of heat.
PYROLYSIS
The most common types of free-radicals (combustible vapours):
- HYDROGEN GAS
- CARBON MONOXIDE
- CARBON DIOXIDE
- NITROGEN
Chemical composition of the fuel, percent of oxygen present, and the temperature of the fire. Are those that remain when other products of combustion cool to normal temperature.
FIRE GASES
When only part of the carbon is oxidized, _____ is formed.
CARBON MONOXIDE
The luminous body of a burning gas which gets hotter and less luminous when mixed with more oxygen.
FLAME
Fades when carbon burns completely, so it is considered a product of incomplete combustion. It is the manifestation of fire when the fire is in its gas phased combustion.
FLAME
Is the visible part of a fire. It is caused by a highly exothermic reaction taking place in a thin zone.
FLAME
If a fire is not hot enough to ionize the gaseous components, it can become a _____.
PLASMA
A reddish-orange in color, it deposits soot because it is a product of incomplete combustion, it has lower temperature.
LUMINOUS FLAME
Bluish in color, it does not deposit soot because it is a product of complete combustion, it has a higher temperature than luminous flame.
NON-LUMINOUS FLAME
Example of a Bunsen burner.
PREMIXED FLAME
Example of flame of the oxyacetylene torch (diffused-dispersed or widely spread).
DIFFUSION FLAME
Flame is this when a particle follows a smooth path through a gaseous flame.
LAMINAR FLAME
Those having unsteady, irregular swirls and eddies.
TURBULENT FLAME
A form of energy generated by the transmission of some other form of energy.
HEAT
A form of energy measured in degree of temperature, it is the product of combustion that spread the fire. It causes burns and other injuries such as dehydration, head exhaustion, and carbon monoxide formation are the primary hazards in fire.
HEAT
Is the most common form of energy found on earth.
HEAT
Is an indicator of heat and is measure the warmth or coldness of an object based on some standards. In most cases at present, the standards used is based on the freezing (32F or 0C) and boiling points (212F or 100C) of water.
TEMPERATURE
Measured using degrees Celsius in SI and degrees Fahrenheit in the Customary System.
TEMPERATURE
Transfer of energy through direct contact.
CONDUCTION
Transfer of energy through moving fluids.
CONVECTION
Transfer of energy through space.
RADIATION
A visible product of incomplete combustion, a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, CO, CO2, and finely divided particles released from the burning material.
SMOKE
Stage/steps wherein fire is created.
LIFE CYCLE OF FIRE THEORY
Life Cycle of Fire Theory
- FUEL
- OXYGEN
- PROPORTIONING
- MIXING
- IGNITION CONTINUITY
The ratio of the weight of a solid or substance to the weight of an equal volume of water. Defined as the ratio of the density of a given solid or liquid substance to the density of water at a specific temperature and pressure.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
The weight of a volume of pure gas compared to the weight of a volume of dry air at the same temperature and pressure.
VAPOUR DENSITY
Defined with respect to air, not hydrogen. Indicate whether a gas is denser or less dense than air.
VAPOUR DENSITY
The force exerted by the molecules on the surface of the liquid at equilibrium.
VAPOR PRESSURE
The measure of thermal degree of the agitation of molecules of a given substance the measure of the molecular activity within a substance.
TEMPERATURE
The constant temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid is equal to the atmospheric pressure.
BOILING POINT
Is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the environmental pressure surrounding the liquid.
BOILING POINT
The minimum temperature to which the substance in the air must be heated in order to initiate or cause self-contained combustion without the addition of heat from outside sources.
IGNITION TEMPERATURE OR KINDLING TEMPERATURE
The temperature at which the material will give off sample vapours to keep burning.
FIRE POINT
The temperature at which a material is not hot enough to keep burning, but still gives off enough vapours to cause a flame to “flash” across the surface. The term is used to express the condition of a fuel vaporizing, whether or not it is vaporizing fast enough to keep burning.
FLASH POINT
Are changes whereby energy (heat) is absorbed or is added before the reaction takes place.
ENDOTHERMIC REACTION
Reactions or changes that release or give energy (heat) thus they produce substance with less energy than the reactants.
EXOTHERMIC REACTION
A chemical change in which combustible material (fuel) and an oxidizing agent react.
OXIDATION
The manifestation of fire when the fire is in its gas-phased combustion. A matter that is produced by fire.
COMBUSTION/FLAME
Vapor density of Acetylene
0.9
Vapor density of Butane
2.0
Vapor density of Gasoline
3-4
Vapor density of Hydrogen
0.1
Vapor density of JP-4
3.0
Vapor density of Kerosene
3.0
Vapor density of Propane
1.6
It is the initial stage of fire.
INCIPIENT/BEGINNING PHASE
The second phase of burning in which materials or structures are burning in the presence of adequate oxygen.
FREE-BURNING PHASE
The final final phase of burning wherein flame ceases but dense smoke and heat completely fill the confined room.
SMOLDERING PHASE
Fire fighters operating at fires in buildings must use precautionary measures when opening a building to gain entry, by providing ventilation either by horizontal/cross ventilation or vertical ventilation.
BACKDRAFT
As the fire grows in a confine area, large volumes of hot, unburned fire gases can collect in unventilated spaces. These gases may be at or above their ignition temperature but have insufficient oxygen available to actually ignite.
BACKDRAFT
Any action taken during firefighting operations that allows air to mix with these hot gases can result in an explosive ignition called _____.
BACKDRAFT
Occurs when a room or other area is heated enough that flames sweep over the entire surface.
FLASHOVER
The point in a fire at which other combustibles within the area ignite, changing the fire from one object on fire to many objects on fire.
FLASHOVER
The point at which gases produced by pyrolysis ignites. It involves only any gases and is typified by a brief, sudden ignition in the overhead air.
ROLLOVER
If the volatile gases around the ceiling have been disturbed through the improper cooling with water, but not vented, ignition may occur at lower room heights - a danger for fire fighters.
ROLLOVER
To avoid this to happen, the base of the fire must first wet water before cooling the upper levels. Open ventilation at ceiling heights will also help by allowing these heated gases to escape.
ROLLOVER
Classification of Fire based on Cause
- NATURAL FIRE
- ACCIDENTAL FIRE
- INTENTIONAL FIRE
Materials involving vegetable fibers, wood, paper, straw, grain, and grass; combustible materials such as coal and coke.
CLASS A
Materials including petroleum products such as gasoline, fuel oils, lubricating oils, and greases; animal fats such as butter, lard, and tallow; vegetable extracts such as alcohol, linseed oil, and turpentine; vegetable compounds such as shortenings and oleomargarines; natural gases and compressed gases such as butane, propane, hydrogen, and acetylene.
CLASS B
This type of fire involves electrical motors, electrical appliances and apparatus. Composed of usually of Class A and Class B materials or a combination of both. Use of water is usually dangerous because of the risk of electrical shock.
CLASS C
These materials involving combustible metals, alloys, or metal compounds either in a solid, semi solid, or liquid state. These types of materials burn at high temperatures and will react violently with water, air, and/or other chemicals.
CLASS D
These are materials involved in the kitchen fires such as vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. This classification was added to the NFPA portable extinguishers Standard in 1998.
CLASS K
Designed to make the operation of fire extinguishers more effective and safer to use through the use of less confusing pictorial labels.
PICTURE-SYMBOL LABELLING SYSTEM
Will put out fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher refers to the amount of water the fire extinguisher holds and the amount of fire it will extinguish.
CLASS A EXTINGUISHERS
Should be used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, oil, etc. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher states the approximate number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire that a non-expert person can expect to extinguish.
CLASS B EXTINGUISHERS
Are suitable for use on electrically energized fires. This class of fire extinguishers does not has a numerical rating. The presence of the letter “C” indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.
CLASS C EXTINGUISHERS
Are designed for use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question. These extinguishers generally have no rating nor are they given a multi-purpose rating for use on other types of metal fires.
CLASS D EXTINGUISHERS
How to Use Fire Extinguisher
P - PULL THE PIN
A - AIM THE NOZZLE
S - SQUEEZE THE LEVER
S - SWEEP SIDE TO SIDE
Start as a result of a chemical reaction within the material- a reaction independent of any outside source of heat.
SPONTANEOUS HEATING AND SPONTANEOUS IGNITION
Begins a cycle of oxidation that builds up heat very slowly in its first stage.
SPONTANEOUS HEATING
The condition that builds up temperature high enough to cause ignition is called _____.
SPONTANEOUS IGNITION
Simply means the spread of fire. As a substance burns, it will be increased by the transmission of heat by nearby materials. This condition causes additional vapors to be released thereby spreading the fires.
PROPAGATION OF FIRES
It is the transmission of heat through an object/medium or conductor, such as pipe, metal, hot-air duct, wire. Or even wall.
CONDUCTION
The transmission through the discharge and spread of heat from a heated or burning source. Takes place through the air or through space that cause another flammable object to ignite.
RADIATION
It is the transmission of heat by the moving currents of liquid or gas. When these gases or liquids are heated, they start to move within themselves; and by their free motion, circulation starts.
CONVECTION
When a material is heated to the point where flammable vapours are releases, the vapours may be ignited. Any other flammable material may be heated to its ignition temperature by direct contact with the flame or burning vapours.
FLAME CONTACT
Means simply “how hot the fire is burning”. Some types of fuels naturally burn hotter than others.
INTENSITY OF FIRE
Means the amount (expressed in percent) of fuel vapour that can be mixed with air to form an explosive or flammable mixture. If less that this amount is used, the mixture will not burn. This is known as “lean” to burn. If more than this amount is used, the mixture is called too “rich” and will not burn.
EXPLOSIVE LIMITS
The temperature at which the material will give off ample vapors to keep burning. Is the term normally used only when more technical or detailed measurement is required.
FIRE POINT
Is used to express the condition of a fuel vaporizing, whether or not it is vaporizing fast enough to keep burning.
FLASHPOINT
Is the degree of heat necessary to ignite flammable vapours. This temperature can come from an external source (match, spark, and friction) or if the fuel itself is raised to this temperature, auto ignition (self-ignition) will occur.
IGNITION TEMPERATURE
