Fire Oxidation Quiz and Flashcards: Chemistry of Combustion

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary chemical reaction that occurs when fire takes place?

Oxidation/Reduction (correct)

Hydrolysis

Synthesis

Decomposition

What is the primary composition of wood, which is involved in the fire combustion process?

Hydrogen and oxygen molecules

Nitrogen and carbon molecules

Hydrogen and carbon molecules (correct)

Carbon and oxygen molecules

What is the byproduct of wood combustion, which is released into the atmosphere?

Oxygen and nitrogen

Carbon dioxide and hydrogen gases (correct)

Carbon dioxide and oxygen

Nitrogen and helium

What is the term used to describe the most effective fuels or reducing agents?

Complex hydrocarbons Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum oxygen supply required for combustion to occur?

21% Signup and view all the answers

What type of ignition occurs when fuel combines with oxygen and an external heat source, producing smoke and heat?

Piloted ignition Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of a backdraft in a fire?

The sudden introduction of oxygen into an enclosed structure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a fire hazard?

A fire extinguisher Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of removing a fire hazard from a potential fire situation?

One side of the fire tetrahedron is removed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a fire hazard that increases the severity of a fire?

Chemical accelerants Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a home fire inspection?

To identify fire hazards and reduce the risk of a fire Signup and view all the answers

What is the phrase that summarizes the importance of watching smokers?

Smokers Need Watchers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of drying the tip of the candle with a tissue?

To remove moisture that may prevent the candle from lighting Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected outcome when trying to light the bottom of the candle?

The candle will not light up at all Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the fire preparedness plan?

Implementing a plan for the household in case of a fire Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step to take in a fire emergency?

Assist anybody who needs help to escape the building Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of an excellent fire preparedness plan?

It contains all important details and can be easily implemented Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the rubrics/scoring guide in the experiment?

To evaluate the quality of the fire preparedness plan Signup and view all the answers

When is it likely to successfully extinguish a fire?

When the fire is small and contained Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected outcome of revising the fire preparedness plan?

It becomes clearer and more effective in case of a fire Signup and view all the answers

What should you consider before attempting to put out a fire on your own?

The presence of toxic smoke Signup and view all the answers

What is the fourth phase of a fire drill?

Assembly Signup and view all the answers

What should you prioritize if you are at risk of being suffocated by smoke?

Finding a means of escape Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate decision maker in determining whether to try to put out a fire on your own?

Your instinct Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Phase 5 in a drill?

To ensure all participants are accounted for Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting an evaluation in Phase 6?

To identify problems during the drill and correct them Signup and view all the answers

What is the Fire Tetrahedron Experiment designed to demonstrate?

The role of oxygen in sustaining a fire Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of soaking the tip of the candle in water in the Fire Tetrahedron Experiment?

To observe how water affects the burning process Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the books 'Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction' by Aurelio et al. and Rimando?

Disaster readiness and risk reduction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of taking pictures or documenting every step of the Fire Tetrahedron Experiment?

To create a record of the experiment's process Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fire and Combustion

Fire occurs when an oxidation/reduction reaction takes place, where a fuel (e.g. wood) is "reduced" in form in the presence of an oxidizing agent (oxygen) and changes chemical make-up.
Heat and flames cause the wood to decompose, releasing energy in the form of heat and flame, and turning into ash (primarily carbon molecules).
Products with high carbon and hydrogen content are effective fuels or "reducing agents".
Examples of complex hydrocarbons include gasoline, propane, butane, and natural gas.

Stages of Fire Ignition

The first stage of fire ignition involves the combination of heat, oxygen, and fuel source, resulting in a chemical reaction (fire tetrahedron).
There are two types of ignition: auto ignition (combustion by heat without spark or flame) and piloted ignition (fuel + oxygen + external heat source).
Smoke and heat are produced, with oxygen supply at 21%, and breathing is barely affected.

Fire Hazards

Fire hazards are workplace hazards that involve the presence of a flame, increase the probability of an uncontrolled fire, or increase the severity of a fire.
Examples of fire hazards include:
- Arson
- Smoking materials
- Use of Halogen lamps
- Residential furnishings
- Cooking and hot objects
- Accumulation of combustible materials
- Hot work hazards
- Sparks and open flame
- Electrical hazards
- Improper handling and storage of combustible/flammable liquids
- Chemicals accelerants
Fire hazards can also impede the function of fire protection material or equipment, or inhibit fire-safe behavior.

Fire Safety and Prevention

A home fire inspection can help reduce the possibility of a fire in the home.
Identifying and removing fire hazards can prevent a fire from occurring.
Creating a fire preparedness plan with the family and documenting it can help ensure safety in case of a fire.
The fire preparedness plan should include important details, such as possible fire exits, important contact details, and precautionary measures.

Fire Extinguisher Use and Maintenance

When attempting to put out a fire, consider the size of the fire, presence of toxic smoke, and means of escape.
Only attempt to put out a fire if it is safe and worth trying, and if the risk is too high, it is better to ask for help from professionals.

Fire Drill

A fire drill involves six phases:
1. Alarm - fire alarms are sounded.
2. Response - people are alerted for fire and smoke.
3. Evacuation - all building occupants evacuate, following pre-determined routes to the evacuation areas.
4. Assembly - people are grouped together at the designated evacuation area.
5. Head count - leaders check to make sure all participants are accounted for.
6. Evaluation - evaluation of the drill is conducted to identify problems and how to correct them.

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Description

Learn about the chemical reaction that occurs during a fire, including the oxidation and reduction of fuel, and the release of energy and gases. Understand how wood decomposes and turns into ash, and the role of oxygen in the process.

Chemistry of Fire: Oxidation and Reduction