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RedDeerGuy1's avatar

Does fire have an alternative to oxygen?

Asked by RedDeerGuy1 (24490points) August 3rd, 2018
9 responses
“Great Question” (0points)

In forest fires. Can a forest fire burn without oxygen?

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zenvelo's avatar

Nope. But it doesn’t take a lot of oxygen, which is why roots can smolder for months.

zenvelo (39434points)“Great Answer” (1points)
kritiper's avatar

No. Three things are required for any fire: heat, oxygen, fuel. Remove any one of the three and the fire will go out.

kritiper (25757points)“Great Answer” (1points)
RedDeerGuy1's avatar

@kritiper @zenvelo What about helium or hydrogen? What other atomic elements burn?

RedDeerGuy1 (24490points)“Great Answer” (0points)
elbanditoroso's avatar

On this planet, no. Perhaps on another planet oxygen can be replaced.

elbanditoroso (33174points)“Great Answer” (1points)
Response moderated (Writing Standards)
kritiper's avatar

@RedDeerGuy1 No. When fuels burn, oxidation is taking place. That can’t be done with hydrogen or helium. Hydrogen may burn, but as a fuel, not an oxidizer. Helium is inert, not flammable.

kritiper (25757points)“Great Answer” (1points)
RedDeerGuy1's avatar

@kritiper I wonder why that is so? Sodium and phosphorus burn with out oxygen. Or does it?

RedDeerGuy1 (24490points)“Great Answer” (0points)
kritiper's avatar

Sodium and phosphorus may burn but only when mixed with an oxidizer. Oxidation requires oxygen for the chemical reaction (fire) to take place.

kritiper (25757points)“Great Answer” (1points)
RedDeerGuy1's avatar

@kritiper Thanks for the correction. I didn’t know.

RedDeerGuy1 (24490points)“Great Answer” (0points)

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