Kerosene Oil: Why It Won't Catch Fire in a Bottle

[Vijay]

Why doesn't kerosene oil catch fire when it is in bottle?

 

[thunderfvck]

What?

I can gaurantee you if I light some kerosene it will ignite. Why oh why would you ever drop a match into a bottle of it? That's asking for a melted face. My guess would be insufficient oxygen to carry the reaction any further.

 

[ravenprp]

Kerosene oil is a type of fuel that is commonly used in lamps, stoves, and heaters. It is a flammable liquid, but it does not catch fire when it is in a bottle due to several reasons.

Firstly, kerosene oil has a high flash point, which is the temperature at which a liquid produces enough vapor to ignite. The flash point of kerosene oil is around 100-150 degrees Celsius, which means that it needs to be heated to a high temperature before it can ignite. This makes it difficult for the oil to catch fire in a bottle, which is usually at room temperature.

Secondly, the bottle itself acts as a barrier between the kerosene oil and the oxygen in the air. Fire needs oxygen to sustain itself, and without it, the kerosene oil cannot ignite. The bottle prevents the oxygen from reaching the oil, thus preventing it from catching fire.

Additionally, kerosene oil is not very volatile, meaning it does not evaporate quickly. This is due to its high viscosity, which is the measure of a liquid's resistance to flow. The low volatility of kerosene oil makes it less likely to produce enough vapor to ignite, further reducing the risk of it catching fire in a bottle.

In conclusion, kerosene oil does not catch fire in a bottle because of its high flash point, the barrier created by the bottle, and its low volatility. It is important to handle kerosene oil with caution and follow proper safety measures to prevent accidents.