Can We Light a Match on the Moon?

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    Lighting Match
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SUMMARY

It is impossible to light a match on the Moon due to the lack of oxygen in its atmosphere. Fire requires oxygen to sustain combustion, and the Moon's atmosphere is nearly a vacuum, containing only trace amounts of gases. While a spark can be produced, it will not ignite a match or create fire without sufficient oxygen. The discussion highlights the fundamental principles of combustion and the necessity of an oxidizing agent.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of combustion chemistry
  • Knowledge of atmospheric composition
  • Familiarity with the concept of oxidizing agents
  • Basic principles of fire behavior in different environments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the chemical reactions involved in combustion
  • Study the composition of the Moon's atmosphere
  • Explore the properties of oxidizing agents
  • Investigate fire behavior in low-oxygen environments
USEFUL FOR

Students of chemistry, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in the principles of fire and combustion in extraterrestrial environments.

wavingerwin
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Just watched the movie Avatar.
People can't breathe there, but fire was produced. When the guys were firing a tree with explosives, the base of the tree was finally burnt

Can we light up a match (or produce fire) where there's low/effectively no oxygen in the atmosphere e.g. moon?

If not, can a spark still be produced?

Thanks!
 
Science news on Phys.org
Nobody said no oxygen
they just said toxic, I can't breathe in a mine flooded with firedamp but you bet your ***** it can burn
 

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