Why are some things flammable and others not?

The degree of flammability or combustibility in air depends largely upon the volatility of the material – this is related to its composition-specific vapour pressure, which is temperature dependent. The quantity of vapour produced can be enhanced by increasing the surface area of the material forming a mist or dust.

What makes things highly flammable?

A material’s ability to ignite is dictated by the strength of bonds between molecules within the substance and the ease of oxidation. Though there are others, the most common definition for flammability is, “burns in the presence of a spark at under 199.4 degrees Fahrenheit”, as defined by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106.

Why is alcohol flammable?

Its chemical formula is C2H. Ethyl alcohol’s flash point makes it, by definition, a flammable liquid (of course, it’s the vapor produced by the evaporation of the liquid, not the liquid itself, that burns). Ethyl alcohol burns with a pale blue flame, which might not be visible in bright sunlight.

Is flammable dust always a problem?

Some of these materials are not “normally” combustible, but they can burn or explode if the particles are the right size and in the right concentration. When the dust is disturbed and under certain circumstances, there is the potential for a serious explosion to occur.

Why are solids flammable?

Flammable metals require an ignition source, and their reactivity and ignitability is influenced by particle size and shape. Intense burning solids are chemicals containing nitrogen and oxygen, which contribute to their propensity to burn intensely and be difficult to extinguish.

Why is salt flammable?

No, table salt (sodium chloride) is not flammable. Salt won’t melt until it reaches 800 degrees Celsius, which is 1,472 Fahrenheit! Salt boils at 1413 Celsius or 2575 Fahrenheit! And in order for it to catch fire, it would need to get hotter still and break down into the individual chemical constituents.

What makes a material flammable?

Firstly, for a material to be flammable it needs to contain something that is oxidisable by air oxygen, typically carbon. This explain why hydrocarbons and other carbon bearing materials typically burn well but minerals, rock, glass, water etc do not.

What are some examples of highly flammable gases?

Flammable gases are those which react easily with oxygen in the air to cause combustion… such as hydrogen, methane or propane etc.

What is the most flammable substance in the world?

The most flammable substance in the world is chlorine trifluoride, This substance is so flammable that it does not require an ignition source to combust. If something is flammable, that means it is capable of catching on fire. For some reason, the word “inflammable” means the same thing.

Are diamonds flammable?

Diamonds are made of carbon, and other forms of carbon, like charcoal, are flammable. Diamond is not because in order for an atom of carbon to react with oxygen, it should first be dislodged from the Diamond molecular structure.