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why is fire hot? |
Fire is the result of a chemical reaction (oxidation) which releases energy stored in chemical bonds. This released energy is the "heat" you feel. As the chemical reaction releases stored energy, volatile chemicals are released, it is these hot vapors which you see and call flames. The color of the flame is an indication of the chemicals being released, thus you will see different colors in different types of wood. Eg:-We start a campfire by heating dry wood to its kindling temperature. Then, some of the large molecules break free from the wood and rise into the air as a vapor. These molecules react with oxygen in the air and break down into water and carbon dioxide again—with a release of heat and light. So a fire is hot because it’s a fast release of energy that was stored over years. |