The very large heat of vaporization of water is the reason why water is particularly suitable for extinguishing a fire. When water is poured onto the fire site, the water is not only heated, but also vaporized. As explained, the water requires a great deal of heat specifically for vaporization. This energy is supplied by the fire site.
Adding water to certain fires can cause effects from electrocution of the intended firefighter (if used on energized electrical equipment) to explosion if used on combustible metal fires (technically the rapid uncontrolled liberation of hydrogen that results in an increase in combustion), or the vaporization of combustible oil due to the release of steam if used on …
Why And How Does Water Put Out Fire? Explained
The water molecule doesn’t become hot enough to separate into hydrogen and oxygen and instead, has two potential actions on the fire that can put it out. Firstly, it absorbs the heat from the fire. This is the main method by which water extinguishes fire. Room temperature water is about 77 degrees Fahrenheit and water won’t become steam until it hits 212 degrees …
Many fires—due to size, access issues and fuel type—will always need significant amounts of water as our ability to place our water where it can be most efficient is limited.
People Also Ask why is water often used to extinguish fires
When is water used to extinguish a fire?
Originally Answered: When is water used to extinguish fire? is a large surface area flammable liquid that will spread as you pour water onto it, causing your fire to spread
Why does water put out a fire?
When water extinguishes a fire, it does so because it doesn’t break down into its constituent elements. The water molecule doesn’t become hot enough to separate into hydrogen and oxygen and instead, has two potential actions on the fire that can put it out.
What is the least likely chemical to extinguish a fire?
Humble dihydrogen monoxide or H 2 O. This, at first glance, seems to be the least likely chemical on earth to extinguish fires with. After all – it’s made up of hydrogen and oxygen both of which are highly flammable. Why doesn’t it just break down into its constituent elements and make a fire worse, rather than extinguishing it?
What is the most commonly used fire extinguishing media?
Water is most commonly used fire extinguishing media all over the world. Water is readily available media all over the world. Basically water is used for general fire or class A fire ( wood ,paper, textiles). In major fire large quantities of water is used with other media.
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Why You Definitely Don't Want To Use Water To Extinguish a Grease Fire Video Answer
Reference:
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher