Trying to Understand the Role of Water in Combustion

In summary, the statements made in this conversation discuss the relationship between water, flame, and heat in terms of energy state and radiation. It is suggested that plasma, which is made up of sub-atomic particles, can only interact with each other through radiation. The question is raised about the possibility of a state so cold that water cannot exist as a solid, potentially even below absolute zero. The concept of Bose-Einstein Condensates is mentioned as a potential area of further research.
  • #1
Swampeast Mike
48
1
Are these statements fair and true?

Water is one of two products of the combustion of hydrogen.

Flame is in part a visual manifestation of a collapse in energy state.

Heat is a radiant manifestation of a collapse in energy state.

The deeper the collapse in energy state the lower the state and temperature of the water produced.

The following is statement is one of dual identity: an object cannot radiate before it accepts radiation

While plasma cannot always be detected in flame due to inability to detect the temperature at which it must exist, evidence that it has been there exists.

Plasma can be considered as sub-atomic particles so possessive of their radiant energy that the only way they can associate with each other is by interacting via radiation.

If the above statements are valid interpretations of law, I question:

What conditions would have to exist for the collapse in state to be so complete that water could not exist as a solid? Absolute zero? Or to put plasma in colloquial terms, "Something so hot that it has no place on the temperature scale."
 
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  • #2
Swampeast Mike said:
Are these statements fair and true?
No .
 
  • #3
My humble answer... #2 is clearly wrong. Water like other things fall into a crystalline state of order as they approach absolute zero. Water is strange in that so far the electrons don't completely align as it falls to absolute zero like you would expect them to do. This is being investigated.

If you get a cold state that makes it impossible for atoms to hold together it would have to be below what physics currently considers absolute zero. Do it and you can become a physics professor and get your face plastered all over Scientific American.
 
  • #4
You might want to read up on Bose-Einstein Condensates.
 

1. What is the role of water in combustion?

The role of water in combustion is to act as a heat sink, absorbing heat from the reaction and lowering the temperature of the flame. This helps to control and regulate the combustion process.

2. How does water affect the efficiency of combustion?

Water can increase the efficiency of combustion by lowering the temperature of the reaction, which can decrease the production of harmful byproducts. However, too much water can also decrease the efficiency by diluting the fuel and oxygen, limiting the reaction.

3. Can water be used as a fuel in combustion?

While water itself cannot be used as a fuel, it can be broken down into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis and used as a fuel in combustion reactions. However, this process requires more energy than it produces, making it inefficient as a fuel source.

4. How does the presence of water affect the speed of combustion?

The presence of water can slow down the speed of combustion by absorbing heat and lowering the temperature of the reaction. This can also lead to incomplete combustion, as the lower temperature may not be sufficient to fully break down the fuel.

5. What are the potential risks of using water in combustion?

While water can have benefits in controlling and regulating combustion, it can also pose risks. If water is not properly regulated or controlled, it can lead to incomplete combustion and the production of harmful byproducts. Additionally, if too much water is present, it can cause the reaction to be too cool and ineffective.

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