What Is the Flame Temperature of Burning Phosphorus?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the flame temperature of burning phosphorus, specifically red and white phosphorus. Participants express curiosity about the temperature range and seek empirical measurements, while also considering the variability of flame temperatures under different conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes difficulty in finding specific temperature data for burning phosphorus and speculates that its flame temperature may not reach that of magnesium, suggesting it could be several thousand degrees.
  • Another participant requests empirical measurement of the flame temperature from someone with access to the necessary equipment, expressing curiosity about the topic.
  • A later reply challenges the notion of a fixed "flame temperature," stating that the temperature of a flame is highly dependent on the specific circumstances under which it burns.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the flame temperature of phosphorus, and multiple views regarding the definition and variability of flame temperatures are presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the lack of specific empirical data and the influence of different burning conditions on flame temperature, which remains unresolved.

SkepticJ
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I've researched online and can't find the temperature that burning phosphorus (red and white) reaches.
Judging by the brightness and color of the flame from pictures, I'm guessing it can't be as high as that of magnesium, but it still looks like several thousand degrees.
 
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If there's a chemist who has access to the equipment and the element, if you have some free time to do so, would you please measure the flame temperature for me? I would be most grateful.

I'm quite curious about this, and haven't been able to find the answer anywhere.
 
There really isn't such a thing as a well-defined "flame temperature". The temperature a flame reaches depends entirely on the circumstances.

Charcoal in a barbecue does not have the same temperature as charcoal in a blast furnace.
 

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