Book 3, Question 28
Why Is Fire Hot?
Fire is a rapid reaction between fuel and oxygen. Breaking and making chemical bonds releases energy. In a flame, that energy flies out as heat and light.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 3
More fun facts
- A fire is a chemical reaction that gives off heat and light.
- A fire needs three things to exist: heat, fuel and oxygen.
- There must be at least 16 percent oxygen in the air for a fire to start.
- Rolling on the ground smothers a fire's oxygen, and the fire goes out.
- As more fuel catches fire, the fire releases more and more energy until all the fuel is burning.
- In a closed room, when the oxygen runs low, the fire weakens and gives off less heat.
- Fire scientists measure how fast a fire releases energy, called its heat release rate.
Sources: National Park Service, NIST
Questions kids ask
What three things does a fire need?
Heat, fuel and oxygen. Take away any one of them and the fire goes out.