- #1
varsha
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hydrogen is a combustible substance and oxygen is a supporter of combustion. but water extinguishes fire. how is that?
Hydrogen-Oxygen-Water: Fire Extinguisher?
- Thread starter varsha
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the apparent contradiction of water extinguishing fire despite being a product of combustion involving hydrogen and oxygen. Participants explore the nature of combustion products and the role of water in fire suppression.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants assert that water is the waste product of combustion, indicating that it has already been burned.
- Others argue that while water is a combustion product, it does not imply that it cannot participate in further combustion processes.
- A participant challenges the analogy of water being like ash, emphasizing that ash is uncombusted residue, whereas water is a product of combustion.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the nature of water as a combustion product and its role in extinguishing fire, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.
Contextual Notes
There are unresolved definitions regarding combustion products and their properties, as well as the distinction between combustion residues and products.
- #2
russ_watters
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Water is the waste product of the combustion you are describing. It has already been burned.
- #3
DaveC426913
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Uh, yeah. That pretty much covers it.
Water is the "ash" left over from burning hydrogen.
Water is the "ash" left over from burning hydrogen.
Last edited:
- #4
Gokul43201
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Varsha: Please look up the definition of a "compound" in your chemistry text.varsha said:hydrogen is a combustible substance and oxygen is a supporter of combustion. but water extinguishes fire. how is that?
To others: Something being a combustion product does not mean the thing is immune to further combustion (eg: CO, aldehydes), and that's besides the point here. Furthermore, water is most certainly nothing like an ash. An ash is the uncombusted residue; water is a combustion product.
Last edited:
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