What is the role of carbon dioxide in extinguishing fire?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the use of carbon dioxide in firefighting and its properties, specifically regarding how it can extinguish fire due to its interaction with oxygen and flammable substances.
Answer
Displacing oxygen and cooling the fuel
Carbon dioxide extinguishes fire by displacing oxygen and cooling the fuel.
Answer for screen readers
Carbon dioxide extinguishes fire by displacing oxygen and cooling the fuel.
More Information
Carbon dioxide is used in fire extinguishers because it is effective at smothering the fire by displacing the oxygen required for combustion. Additionally, CO2 is very cold when released, which helps to cool and further suppress the fire. This makes CO2 extinguishers suitable for electrical fires and flammable liquids.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming CO2 extinguishers can be used on all types of fires. They should not be used on fires involving reactive metals.
Sources
- Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher - Swartz Fire & Safety - swartzfireandsafety.com
- Why is carbon dioxide used in fire extinguishers? - BYJU'S - byjus.com
- Top 5 Things to Know about Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers - blog.koorsen.com
