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.
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 …
Water as an fire extinguishing agent – canutesoft.com
The reason water is such an effective extinguishing agent is because of its low cost, effectiveness and general availability. The physical properties of water mean that it is an effective combatant of all three sides of the fire triangle. These sides are the independent entities of oxygen, heat and fuel.
It soon becomes apparent how incredibly effective water can be as an extinguishing agent—if used with skill. … Fires release heat over time, so it is more useful to measure energy from a fire …
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Why is water such an effective fire extinguishing agent?
The reason water is such an effective extinguishing agent is because of its low cost, effectiveness and general availability. The physical properties of water mean that it is an effective combatant of all three sides of the fire triangle. These sides are the independent entities of oxygen, heat and fuel.
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?
Is it safe to put out a fire with water?
While ordinary fires of solid material are often easily extinguished with water, electrical fires, oil or liquid fires, and metal fires should never be tackled with water. You are at a high risk of harming yourself, property, and others if you do so.
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Reference:
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher