- #1
partha1963
- 13
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Wood burns with flame but coal does not. Why?
Why Doesn't Coal Burn with a Flame?
- Thread starter partha1963
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the phenomenon of combustion in coal compared to wood, specifically addressing why coal does not produce a visible flame in the same manner as wood does. The scope includes conceptual explanations of combustion processes and the conditions under which flames are produced.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant asserts that wood burns with a flame while coal does not, prompting questions about the accuracy of this claim.
- Another participant humorously suggests that imitation coal fires can produce imitation flames, indicating a potential misunderstanding or playful take on the topic.
- A more detailed explanation is provided regarding the nature of flames, noting that a flame results from flammable gases reacting with oxygen. It is mentioned that coal can produce a small flame, particularly in the context of traditional coal furnaces.
- The discussion also touches on coke and charcoal, stating that they generally do not produce visible flames due to the lack of flammable gases, with a cautionary note about the dangers of burning charcoal indoors due to carbon monoxide production.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the visibility of flames produced by coal, with some acknowledging that coal can produce a flame under certain conditions, while others contest the initial claim about coal's combustion characteristics. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent and nature of flames produced by coal.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of "flame" and the specific conditions under which coal combustion occurs, as well as the potential for misunderstanding the combustion processes involved.
- #2
SteamKing
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You sure about that?
- #3
tiny-tim
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imitation coal fires have imitation flames 
(i can see one from my little bowl! 
)
)- #4
James Demers
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A flame is the result of flammable gases being heated, flowing up, and reacting with oxygen where the gases encounter the atmosphere. In a candle flame, the reaction generates enough heat to drive further gas generation and convection; with a gas stove, the burner keeps providing more fuel; either way you get a steady state, which is the flame.
Coal does have a small flame, as anyone old enough to have stoked a coal furnace (in their pajamas on a January morning) can testify.
Coke, or charcoal, generally has no visible flame, because there are no flammable gases generated from pure carbon. (Under condidtions of poor ventilation, there will be carbon monoxide generated, but CO doesn't combust readily enough to support a flame ... that's why burning charcoal indoors is a recipe for disaster.)
Coal does have a small flame, as anyone old enough to have stoked a coal furnace (in their pajamas on a January morning) can testify.
Coke, or charcoal, generally has no visible flame, because there are no flammable gases generated from pure carbon. (Under condidtions of poor ventilation, there will be carbon monoxide generated, but CO doesn't combust readily enough to support a flame ... that's why burning charcoal indoors is a recipe for disaster.)
- #5
DrClaude
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This thread is 2 years old and the OP hasn't been on PF for almost a year. There is not point in responding anymore.
Thread locked.
Thread locked.
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