Can I get description of how heat is realized during fire?

In summary, fire is a chain-reaction process that occurs when burning materials are surrounded by oxygen and heated above a certain ignition point. This leads to oxidation and the release of heat, causing a chain-reaction. The details of combustion are complex and involve intermediate species in excited states. These intermediates can be on dissociative potential surfaces or vibrationally excited, which contributes to the release of heat. Further research on this topic can be found in the Wikipedia article on exothermic reactions.
  • #1
goodphy
216
8
Hello.

I've learn that fire is chain-reaction process when burning materials are surrounded by oxygen with enough amount and they're heated exceeding some ignition point.

That point is nothing but the temperature above which oxidation between material and oxygen begins. Then during oxidization, heat is realized so chain-reaction starts.

Here I would like to know atomic transition of this oxidation. Specifically, I want to know how heat is realized when electron from material transfers to the oxygen. Is it due to that original energy level of the electron higher than occupied level in oxygen? Does electron occupy outermost orbit of oxygen? Is oxidization all heat-realize process?
 
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  • #2
The details of combustion are complicated processes with intermediate transient species that are not mentioned in the total reaction formulas. These intermediates are in excited states: electronic excited states and vibrationally excited states. Some are on dissociative potential surfaces, which means that the pieces of such a molecule will fly apart with a kinetic energy of a few eV. Vibrationally excited states will get to the ground state in collisions, which also transfers energy to translational kinetic energy.
 
  • #3

1. What is the source of heat in a fire?

The source of heat in a fire is the chemical energy stored in the fuel. When the fuel is heated to its ignition temperature, it undergoes a chemical reaction called combustion, which releases heat energy.

2. How does heat transfer in a fire?

Heat is transferred in a fire by three main mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact, convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of hot gases, and radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves.

3. What factors affect the amount of heat produced in a fire?

The amount of heat produced in a fire is affected by the type and amount of fuel, oxygen availability, and the rate of combustion. Other factors such as ventilation, ambient temperature, and the size and shape of the fire can also influence the amount of heat produced.

4. How is heat used by firefighters to control and extinguish fires?

Firefighters use heat to control and extinguish fires by removing one of the three elements of the fire triangle - fuel, oxygen, or heat. By cooling down the fire with water or suppressing the oxygen supply, firefighters can reduce the amount of heat being produced and eventually put out the fire.

5. Can heat be dangerous during a fire?

Yes, heat can be extremely dangerous during a fire. High temperatures can cause severe burns and can also lead to the production of toxic gases and the rapid spread of fire. In addition, the heat generated by a fire can weaken structures, making them more susceptible to collapse.

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