Three main things are required to cause a fire. They are combustible substances, oxygen, and relevant temperatures. Materials that can catch fire are referred to as flammable or combustible.
What is the difference between combustible and flammable? Combustible materials are less likely to ignite at normal temperatures and require much higher temperatures, while flammable materials ignite easily at normal working temperatures.
Key Areas Covered
1. What are Combustible Materials
– Definition, Features
2. What are Flammable Materials
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Combustible and Flammable
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Combustible and Flammable
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Combustible and Flammable
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Combustible, Combustibility, Flammable, Flammability, Burning
What are Combustible Materials
Combustible materials are the materials that can burn in the presence of oxygen. They act as the fuel that retains the combustion. These materials generate flammable vapors that catch fire and produce heat when they come into contact with a heat source. There are many types of combustible substances, such as solid fuels, liquid fuels, and gaseous fuels.
Materials that are solid in nature, such as wood, paper, fabric, and polymers, are known as solid fuels. Heat sources can ignite them directly, or they can be lit indirectly by heating materials to their ignition temperature. Petroleum-based products such as gasoline, kerosene, alcohol, and cooking oils are examples of liquid fuels. They can be ignited by a spark, flame, or hot surface. Gaseous fuels are materials that exist in a gaseous state, such as natural gas, propane, and butane. They are highly flammable and can ignite easily in the presence of a spark or flame.
Several factors determine the flammability of combustible materials, such as chemical composition, physical state, particle size, and the presence of oxygen.
What are Flammable Materials
Flammable materials are substances that can easily ignite and burn rapidly. The chemical composition of a substance mainly determines its flammability. Hydrocarbons, materials containing carbon and hydrogen(such as natural gas, propane, and gasoline) are good examples of flammable substances. Solvents like acetone and alcohol are also highly flammable.
The physical state of the material also determines the flammability of a substance. Liquids and gases are more flammable than solids. This is because they can mix with air and can create a combustible vapor. Other factors are temperature, the presence of catalysts, and ignition sources.
Similarities Between Combustible and Flammable
- Combustible substances and flammable substances can both burn.
- Both pose fire hazards and require proper handling and storage.
Difference Between Combustible and Flammable
Definition
- Combustible materials are substances that can catch fire and burn, generally requiring higher temperatures to ignite, while flammable materials are substances that ignite easily and burn rapidly at lower temperatures.
Flash Point
- Flammable materials have a flash point below 37.8°C (100°F), whereas combustible materials have a flash point between 37.8°C (100°F) and 93.3°C (200°F).
Nature
- Flammable materials ignite more easily due to their lower flash point, while combustible materials require a higher temperature to ignite.
Volatility
- Flammable substances are more volatile than combustible substances.
Hazards
- Flammable substances are more hazardous than combustible substances.
Conclusion
Materials that can catch fire are referred to as flammable or combustible. Combustible materials need a higher temperature or another source of ignition to begin burning, whereas flammable materials ignite readily and burn quickly.
FAQ: Combustible and Flammable
1. Is combustion the same as flammable?
No, combustion and flammable are not the same. Combustion is the process of burning, while flammable refers to a material’s ability to catch fire easily.
2. Is wood flammable or combustible?
Wood is both flammable and combustible. Flammable refers to substances that can ignite easily and burn quickly, while combustible substances can burn under certain conditions. Since wood can ignite and burn under most conditions, it falls into both categories.
3. Is petrol flammable or combustible?
Petrol is highly flammable. This means it can ignite easily and burn rapidly under certain conditions, such as exposure to a spark or flame.
4. Why is paper combustible but not flammable?
Paper is combustible but not flammable because it requires an external heat source to ignite. While paper can burn, it doesn’t catch fire easily on its own.
5. Is water flammable?
No, water is not flammable. It is actually used to extinguish fires because it cools down the burning material and prevents it from continuing to burn.
Reference:
1. “Combustibility and Flammability.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Wood Planks With Flame” (CC0) via Pexels
2. “Flammable Materials Sign” By KPA (CC BY-ND 2.0) via Flickr
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