Can water burn?

Can water burn General Knowledge

Of course it can!

As we all know, combustion can’t continue if oxygen isn’t available (O₂). It is important to note that combustion is a chemical reaction that involves three components: the fuel, the oxidizer, and the temperature.

Many substances can be used as fuels, including gasoline and wood. An oxidizing agent refers to a substance that causes a reaction by gaining electrons form another substance.

An oxidizing agent, or badass who steals electrons from non-destructive substances, is also known as an “oxidizing agent”. The air’s native oxygen acts as an oxidizing agents. Other elements, such as chlorine (Cl₂) or fluorine (F2), can also act as oxidizing agent.

The temperature and the oxygenizing agent (oxygen) determine the temperature at which a gas stove is lit. This causes methane (CH₄) to ignite. The reaction between methane and oxygen creates oxygen, which takes electrons from methane. Water (H₂O), and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are formed. The return of electrons from oxygen to oxygen was called the oxidation reaction.

One exception is when oxygen doesn’t take but gives away its own electrons. Fluorine (F₂) is the most electronegative element, as it attracts electrons most strongly to itself. This occurs when oxygen interacts (orally) with fluorine (F₂). Fluorine absorbs electrons from oxygen when they interact and forms oxygen fluoride: OF₂.

Combustion is the main cause of water in many chemical reactions. It is formed in the combustion of methane, as I have shown. Water is not a reaction product in fluorine atmosphere, but rather a participant in combustion or oxidation reactions. Fluorine can also be an oxidizing agent. It is so strong that fluorine can ignite spontaneously in its jet, igniting not only paper but also refractory asbestos.

In an atmosphere of fluorine water lights up with a blue flame. This reaction results in hydrogen fluoride, (HF), and oxygen (O₂)

This video will show you how to make this chemical reaction.

Alexander Stephenson

Candidate of Chemical Sciences, editor-in-chief of Guide-scientific.com. Lecturer at several international online schools, member of the jury of chemistry competitions and author of scientific articles.

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