Can Solids Really Burn Underwater?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of solids potentially burning underwater, particularly in the context of cooking and thermal decomposition. Participants explore the chemical processes involved, including combustion and thermal decomposition, and their implications in a cooking scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes an experience of oats scorching in water, questioning how this occurs given the presence of water, which is thought to smother oxygen.
  • Another participant asserts that oxygen is not necessary for thermal decomposition, suggesting that the oats were not actually burnt.
  • There is a query about whether a combustion reaction occurs in this context.
  • Some participants clarify that thermal decomposition can produce similar effects to burning, such as the burnt smell and charred appearance.
  • A later reply introduces the concept of substances that can burn underwater, citing magnesium as an example, which can react with water to release bound oxygen.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the process occurring with the oats constitutes burning or thermal decomposition. The discussion includes competing explanations regarding combustion and the conditions under which solids can burn underwater.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on specific definitions of combustion and thermal decomposition, which may not be universally agreed upon. The discussion does not resolve the nuances of these definitions or the conditions under which they apply.

UMath1
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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?
 
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You don't need oxygen for the thermal decomposition of the organic substances.

In other words: nothing was burnt.
 
But doesn't a combustion reaction proceed?
 
UMath1 said:
But doesn't a combustion reaction proceed?

No.
 
Alright. So thermal decomposition can produce the same burnt smell and charred look that burning can?
 
Yes. Charring is part of the burning - heat decomposes organic matter even before it starts to react with the oxygen.
 
Thanks!
 
  • #10
There are some substances that can actually "burn" under water because they are more powerful reducing agents than hydrogen and can therefore take the bound oxygen from water molecules. Magnesium metal is one example of this.
 
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