- #1
Skyhunter
I have seen this claim in the Italian documentary about the use of WP in Fallujah. However I don't understand how this is possible.
Can anyone here explain this?
Can anyone here explain this?
Thank you very much. That explains a lot.cronxeh said:When white phosphorus burns:
P4 + 5 O2 → 2 P2O5
The formed phosphorus pentoxide absorbs water from your tissues and quickly converts into phosphoric acid which then burns your skin:
P2O5 + 3 H2O → 2 H3PO4
That still wouldn't explain why it doesn't burn clothes. I've had 40% phosphoric acid spilled on my lab coat, and trust me, that stuff completely destroys clothes.cronxeh said:When white phosphorus burns:
P4 + 5 O2 → 2 P2O5
The formed phosphorus pentoxide absorbs water from your tissues and quickly converts into phosphoric acid which then burns your skin:
P2O5 + 3 H2O → 2 H3PO4
ShawnD said:That still wouldn't explain why it doesn't burn clothes. I've had 40% phosphoric acid spilled on my lab coat, and trust me, that stuff completely destroys clothes.
P2O5 also pulls water from the atmosphere, so it can turn into acid without even touching your hand.
White phosphorus has a low ignition temperature and can ignite spontaneously in the presence of air. When it comes into contact with skin, it can quickly burn and cause severe damage. However, clothing acts as a barrier and can prevent the phosphorus from coming into direct contact with the skin, thus reducing the burning effect.
The reaction between white phosphorus and oxygen in the air produces a chemical reaction that releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat and light. This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat, and it can cause severe burns when it comes into contact with human skin.
Under certain conditions, such as high temperatures or prolonged contact, white phosphorus can burn through clothing. It can also ignite flammable materials, such as cotton, and cause them to burn and spread the fire.
Yes, white phosphorus is highly reactive and can be extremely dangerous to handle. It is often stored and transported under water to prevent it from coming into contact with air and igniting. Proper safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear, should always be taken when handling white phosphorus.
Yes, there are other substances that can cause similar burning effects on flesh, such as sulfuric acid and hydrofluoric acid. These substances are highly corrosive and can cause severe burns on contact with skin. Like white phosphorus, they should always be handled with extreme caution and proper safety measures.