Which gas does not support burning?
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Ethan Turner
Works at Google, Lives in Mountain View, CA
As a chemical expert with a focus on combustion and fire safety, I am well-versed in the properties of various gases and their role in supporting or inhibiting combustion processes. The question at hand is about identifying a gas that does not support burning. This is a critical aspect of fire science and safety, as understanding which gases can extinguish fires is essential for designing effective fire suppression systems.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gas that is widely recognized for its fire-extinguishing properties. It is used in fire extinguishers because it does not support combustion. When CO2 is sprayed onto a fire, it acts by displacing the oxygen around the fire. Since oxygen is a necessary component for combustion to occur, removing it effectively stops the fire. CO2 extinguishers are particularly useful for electrical fires, flammable liquid fires, and fires involving paper or textiles.
It is important to note that not all gases that do not support combustion are suitable for use in fire extinguishers. For example, nitrogen (N2) also does not support combustion, as it is an inert gas and makes up approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. However, nitrogen is not typically used in fire extinguishers because it is not as effective at rapidly displacing oxygen as CO2. Additionally, using nitrogen to extinguish a fire could lead to asphyxiation due to the rapid displacement of breathable air.
Another gas that does not support combustion is argon (Ar), which is also an inert gas. Argon is heavier than air and can be used in fire suppression systems, particularly in situations where water or CO2 is not suitable. However, argon is less common in portable fire extinguishers due to its higher cost and lower availability compared to CO2.
There are other gases that can be used to extinguish fires, such as halon, which is a class of halogenated fire suppressants. Halons were once widely used due to their effectiveness, but they have been phased out globally due to their ozone-depleting properties and long atmospheric lifetimes.
In summary, while several gases do not support combustion, the choice of a gas for fire extinguishing purposes depends on factors such as its ability to displace oxygen, its reactivity with the materials involved in the fire, and its environmental impact. CO2 is a common choice due to its effectiveness and relatively benign environmental profile.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gas that is widely recognized for its fire-extinguishing properties. It is used in fire extinguishers because it does not support combustion. When CO2 is sprayed onto a fire, it acts by displacing the oxygen around the fire. Since oxygen is a necessary component for combustion to occur, removing it effectively stops the fire. CO2 extinguishers are particularly useful for electrical fires, flammable liquid fires, and fires involving paper or textiles.
It is important to note that not all gases that do not support combustion are suitable for use in fire extinguishers. For example, nitrogen (N2) also does not support combustion, as it is an inert gas and makes up approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. However, nitrogen is not typically used in fire extinguishers because it is not as effective at rapidly displacing oxygen as CO2. Additionally, using nitrogen to extinguish a fire could lead to asphyxiation due to the rapid displacement of breathable air.
Another gas that does not support combustion is argon (Ar), which is also an inert gas. Argon is heavier than air and can be used in fire suppression systems, particularly in situations where water or CO2 is not suitable. However, argon is less common in portable fire extinguishers due to its higher cost and lower availability compared to CO2.
There are other gases that can be used to extinguish fires, such as halon, which is a class of halogenated fire suppressants. Halons were once widely used due to their effectiveness, but they have been phased out globally due to their ozone-depleting properties and long atmospheric lifetimes.
In summary, while several gases do not support combustion, the choice of a gas for fire extinguishing purposes depends on factors such as its ability to displace oxygen, its reactivity with the materials involved in the fire, and its environmental impact. CO2 is a common choice due to its effectiveness and relatively benign environmental profile.
2024-05-25 20:07:21
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Works at the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Lives in Rome, Italy.
Ans: Carbon dioxide gas is used in fire extinguishers because it does not support combustion or burning/ flame. When it is sprayed on burning objects or substances, it temporarily stops the supply of oxygen for the flame and thereby extinguishing the fire.Feb 24, 2017
2023-06-12 15:32:45
Zoe Young
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Ans: Carbon dioxide gas is used in fire extinguishers because it does not support combustion or burning/ flame. When it is sprayed on burning objects or substances, it temporarily stops the supply of oxygen for the flame and thereby extinguishing the fire.Feb 24, 2017
