- #1
UMath1
- 361
- 9
I was cooking oats in water yesterday and the oats at the bottom of the pot got scorched. How is this possible? Doesn't the water smother the oats from oxygen?
UMath1 said:But doesn't a combustion reaction proceed?
A solid can burn in water when the heat generated from the burning process is enough to overcome the cooling effect of the water. This allows the solid to reach its ignition temperature and continue to burn.
Most solids that are able to burn in air can also burn in water, including metals, non-metals, and organic compounds such as wood or paper. However, some materials may require additional factors to ignite, such as an external heat source or presence of oxygen.
The ease of burning depends on several factors, including the type and amount of fuel present, the availability of oxygen, and the temperature and properties of the water. In general, materials with lower ignition temperatures and higher flammability will burn more easily in water.
In most cases, yes. Water is a commonly used fire extinguishing agent due to its cooling and suffocating properties. However, some materials may react violently with water, so it is important to understand the properties of the solid before attempting to extinguish a fire with water.
The best way to prevent solids from burning in water is to remove or control the source of heat and fuel. This can be done by implementing safety measures, using fire-resistant materials, and properly storing and handling flammable substances. In addition, having a fire safety plan in place and being prepared for emergencies can help prevent accidents from occurring.