Combustion And Flame Flashcards
Define combustion.
Combustion is a chemical process in which a substance reacts with oxygen to produce heat and light.
What is the fire triangle?
The fire triangle represents the three components necessary for combustion: fuel, oxygen, and heat.
Differentiate between complete combustion and incomplete combustion.
Complete combustion results in the production of only carbon dioxide and water, while incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide, carbon, and water.
Explain spontaneous combustion.
Spontaneous combustion is the process where a substance ignites without an external ignition source due to internal heat buildup.
Name two types of flames and their characteristics.
Blue flame is hot and clean (e.g., gas stoves), while yellow flame is less hot and luminous (e.g., candles).
What is ignition temperature?
Ignition temperature is the minimum temperature at which a substance catches fire and starts burning.
Define fuel and give examples.
Fuel is a substance that undergoes combustion to produce energy. Examples include wood, coal, and natural gas.
Describe the structure of a candle flame.
A candle flame consists of the outer, non-luminous blue zone and the inner, luminous yellow zone with a dark zone where no combustion takes place.
Explain the working principle of a fire extinguisher.
A fire extinguisher works by removing one or more components of the fire triangle (fuel, oxygen, or heat), preventing combustion.
Name the different classes of fire and suitable extinguishers.
Class A (ordinary combustibles): Water extinguisher.
Class B (flammable liquids): Foam or powder extinguisher.
Class C (electrical fires): Carbon dioxide extinguisher.
What is the role of water in extinguishing fires?
Water cools the fuel and removes heat, preventing the combustion process. Also, using water as a fire extinguisher results in formation of water vapours which form a blanket around the fuel and cut of the supply of Oxygen.
Explain the concept of a sparkler.
A sparkler is a type of firework that produces sparks due to the combustion of a mixture of powdered metals.
Define kindling temperature.
Kindling temperature is the temperature at which a substance starts burning without any external ignition source.
What is a flammable substance?
The substances that have a very low ignition temperature and can easily catch fire are called inflammable or flammable substances. Examples of flammable substances are - Petrol, Kerosene, etc.
Why are certain metals preferred for making fireworks?
Certain metals are chosen for fireworks because they produce vibrant and characteristic colors when burned due to their unique flame spectra.
