Combustion Reaction
A chemical reaction in which oxygen gas or another oxidant combines with other substances to produce heat and light.
Oxygen Gas
A molecule consisting of two atoms of oxygen joined together that supports the combustion of fuels.
Fuel
A fuel is a compound that has energy stored in its chemical bonds that can be released when undergoing a combustion reaction.
Heat Source
A heat source is an object, device, or material that produces or radiates heat.
Flammable
Flammable is a measure of how quickly a substance or material can catch on fire and burn. It is also a measure of the intensity of the substance when burning.
Exothermic Reaction
An exothermic chemical reaction is a reaction that releases heat as a by-product of the reaction. The reactants in an exothermic reaction have greater energy than the products of the reaction.
Endothermic Reaction
An endothermic chemical reaction is a reaction that consumes heat during a reaction. The reactants in an exothermic reaction have lower energy than the products of the reaction.
Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is a device that can be used to put out small fires by cooling the fire, disrupting a chemical reaction associated with the fire, or by depriving the fire of oxygen gas needed to support the combustion of the fuel source.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a gas consisting of one atom of carbon bonding to two atoms of oxygen that is a by-product of many combustion reactions. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are used to put out electrical equipment fires and occasionally flammable materials other than metals or oils.
Water
Water is composed of one atom of oxygen surrounded by two atoms of hydrogen. Water fire extinguishers are used to put our paper and wood material fires.
Foam
Foam fire extinguishers are used to put out paper, wood, and some flammable liquid fires. The foam in the extinguisher consists of three ingredients: water, air, and foam concentrate.
Wet Chemical
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are used to put out paper, wood, and some oil fires. Wet chemical extinguishers are filled with potassium. The potassium sprayed as a fine mist reduces the temperature of the fire.
Dry Powder Chemical ABE
Dry powder chemical ABE fire extinguishers are used to put out paper, wood, flammable liquids other than oils, and electrical equipment fires. ABE extinguishers consist of monoammonium phosphate that covers the fire.
Dry Powder Chemical BE
Dry powder chemical BE fire extinguishers are used to put out flammable liquids and electrical equipment fires. They are sometimes used on a limited basis on oil fires. They consist of water and either potassium acetate, potassium carbonate, or potassium citrate.
A pan filled with oil on a stove in your kitchen suddenly bursts into flames. Do you know how to put out this dangerous fire? Get started now investigating fire safety in your home and classroom.
