Why Does Smoke Rise? An Exploration of Physics Principles

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In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between temperature, pressure, and density in the combustion of paper. It is mentioned that the heating process is almost adiabatic, and the equations T^1.4 P^-0.4 = const and rho=PM/RT are used to explain this relationship. It is also noted that if the temperature is doubled, the pressure is multiplied by 11.3, and the density is multiplied by 5.7. The question of why smoke rises even though it becomes more dense is raised, and it is explained that the smoke particles are carried upward in warm air due to the difference in density between warm and cool air. The fact that this process occurs at atmospheric pressure is also mentioned
  • #1
jaumzaum
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If we consider that the heating of the products created in the combustion of paper to be an almost adiabatic process (as it's extremely fast), then
$$T^{1.4} P^{-0.4} = const. $$
If we double the temperature, we multiply the pressure by 11.3
The density of an ideal gas is
$$ \rho=PM/RT$$
If we double the temperature, the density would be multiplied by 5.7

So why would the smoke rises if it became more dense?
 
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  • #2
jaumzaum said:
If we double the temperature, we multiply the pressure by 11.3
How can that be if the combustion isn't happening in an enclosure?
 
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  • #3
Flame is roughly a steady state process taking place at atmospheric pressure. The smoke particles are carried upward in the warm air which rises because is is less dense than cooler room air.
 
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  • #4
jaumzaum said:
we multiply the pressure by 11.3
Not if it is an open flame at atmospheric pressure
 
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1. Why does smoke rise?

Smoke rises due to a phenomenon known as convection. As smoke is created from burning materials, it is filled with hot air and gases that are less dense than the surrounding air. This hot air rises and is replaced by cooler, denser air, causing the smoke to rise upwards.

2. Does the size or shape of the smoke affect its rising?

Yes, the size and shape of the smoke can affect its rising. Thicker and larger smoke particles tend to rise more slowly than smaller and lighter particles. The shape of the smoke can also impact its rising, as more aerodynamic shapes may rise faster due to reduced air resistance.

3. What role does air pressure play in smoke rising?

Air pressure plays a significant role in smoke rising. As the hot air and gases from the smoke rise, they create a low-pressure area that draws in cooler, denser air from the surrounding environment. This continuous cycle of rising and falling air is what causes the smoke to rise upwards.

4. Can smoke rise in a vacuum?

No, smoke cannot rise in a vacuum. In a vacuum, there is no surrounding air for the smoke to displace and create a low-pressure area. Therefore, the smoke would remain stagnant and not rise.

5. How does temperature affect the rising of smoke?

Temperature plays a crucial role in the rising of smoke. As mentioned earlier, hot air is less dense than cold air, so the hotter the smoke, the faster it will rise. Additionally, temperature differences between the smoke and the surrounding air can also impact the direction and speed of the smoke's rising.

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