Fahrenheit 451 and activation energy

[NeilWallace]

I know from the movie that paper burns at fahrenheit 451. I guess this refers to the activation energy paper and oxygen require to react into CO2 and water.

I have been trying to understand the Arrhenius equation which I think is the key to predicting at what temperature a reaction will take place but I don't understand what numbers you plug into predict the temperature say methane and oxygen will react CH4 and O2 can anyone help?

 

[Borek]

451 deg F is well too low to start paper burning. Not that it matters much.

Numbers you need are determined experimentally, you may be able to find them in handbooks.

 

[DaveC426913]

451 deg F is well too low to start paper burning.

Well, I guess that depends on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autoignition_temperature#Autoignition_point_of_selected_substances"...

842 °F
Jens Borch, Richard E. Mark, M. Bruce Lyne. "Handbook of Physical Testing of Paper".

424-474°F
Tony Cafe. "Physical Constants for Investigators". Journal of Australian Fire Investigators.

 

[Borek]

451 °C = 844 °F

I am not saying someone made a NASA style mistake, but numbers are suggestive.