Fire and Smoke: Understanding the Phenomenon

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    Fire Smoke
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of fire and smoke, specifically focusing on the composition of smoke produced from burning materials like wood and methane (CH4). Participants explore the reasons for the presence of fine particulate matter in smoke and its behavior in the air.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that burning CH4 produces gaseous CO2 and H2O, questioning why burning wood results in fine particulate matter that does not fall to the ground like ordinary solids.
  • Another participant suggests that smoke, primarily composed of carbon particles, is carried upward by hot air through convection.
  • A third participant expands on this by stating that smoke consists of various particulate matter that survives the burning process, indicating that the chemical composition varies depending on the material being burned.
  • One participant mentions that eventually, the particles do fall to the ground or may contribute to cloud formation and rain.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple viewpoints regarding the composition and behavior of smoke, with no consensus reached on the specifics of how smoke particles interact with air or their eventual fate.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the assumptions regarding the size and density of smoke particles or the specific conditions under which they are carried by convection.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in combustion processes, atmospheric science, or the chemistry of smoke may find this discussion relevant.

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I can why fire would give off gasses. In particular if one is burning CH4 there would be a lot of gaseous CO2 and H2O. Why, when I burn wood, does a fine particulate matter get kicked up into the air? Why does it not fall to the ground like ordinary solid matter? Is there a lot of frictional force between smoke particles and air, not unlike a feather?
 
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My guess would be that smoke (carbon particles) is being carried up by the hot air via convection.

~H
 
Hoot has it pretty much. Smoke isn't just carbon particles, but that forms the majority of most wood or paper smoke. Pretty much any particulate matter that survives the burning process becomes smoke. You can tell, for instance, the difference between burning wood and burning steak by smelling it. That's a result of the various chemicals involved.
 
and eventually the particles do fall to earth. (or maybe some particles end up in clouds seeding raindrops.)
 

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