Heat, fire, pressure - things i don't understand

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential for creating a flame by transferring a large amount of energy to a point in the air and whether or not a secondary material is necessary for a flame to occur. It also touches on the possibility of creating a shockwave by heating a small part of the air quickly and the potential for a visible flame if nitrogen were oxidized. The responses suggest that a flame would not be created without fuel, oxygen, and heat, but heating the air enough could result in a plasma. It is also mentioned that heating air can create a force, such as the supersonic shock of thunder.
  • #1
fudoki
1
0
Hi all,

Apologies if this is in the wrong location, I'm new (and using that as an excuse :) )

i am currently working on a fantasy novel and having some issues that my days old knowledge of thermodynamics, and what-not, is nowhere near capable of managing.

So, to dive straight in; if we were to assume that you had access to a large amount of energy (potential or otherwise) and chose to use said energy by transferring it to a point in the air in front of you to generate a high temperature (thousands of degress) would a flame appear? Or, is a flame only generated when a secondary material is introduced, such as wood, carbon etc?

if you were to heat to a small part of the air in front of you quickly and highly enough would you create a shockwave which would 'push' things?

any help, knowledge or nudges in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.
 
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  • #2
You wouldn't create a flame - a flame needs fuel+oxygen+heat.
You could create a plasma if you heated it enough - like a spherical glowing spark
Enough heating can create a force, lightning creates a supersonic shock by heating air - that's the thunder you hear.
 
  • #3
If some of the nitrogen were oxidized would there be a visible flame?
 

What is heat and how is it created?

Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from one object to another. It is created by the movement of molecules or particles within an object. When these molecules move faster, they generate more heat.

What is fire and how does it work?

Fire is a chemical reaction that occurs when a fuel source combines with oxygen and is ignited by a heat source. This produces heat, light, and usually smoke. The heat generated by the fire is able to sustain the reaction and keep it burning.

What is pressure and how does it affect objects?

Pressure is the force per unit area that is applied to an object. It is created by the weight or mass of an object pressing down on a surface. Pressure can affect objects by causing them to compress or deform, or by causing them to move in a certain direction.

Why do some materials burn and others do not?

Materials burn because they have a low ignition temperature, meaning they can easily catch fire when exposed to a heat source. This is due to their chemical composition and ability to react with oxygen. Materials that do not burn have a higher ignition temperature or are not able to sustain a chemical reaction with oxygen.

How can heat, fire, and pressure be controlled?

Heat, fire, and pressure can be controlled through various methods such as insulation, cooling, and extinguishing. Insulation can prevent heat from escaping or entering a space. Cooling can reduce the temperature and suppress a fire. Extinguishing methods, such as using water or fire extinguishers, can remove the heat, fuel, or oxygen needed to sustain a fire.

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