Chapter 20, Problem 7TE

Why does a glowing splint of wood burn only slowly in air but burst into flames when placed in pure oxygen?

To determine

The reason why a glowing splint of wood burn only slowly in air but burst into flames when placed in pure oxygen.

Answer to Problem 7TE

The oxygen molecule supports the combustion reaction and thus a glowing splint of wood burn only slowly in air but burst into flames when placed in pure oxygen.

Explanation of Solution

It is given that the wood burning just gives a glowing splint in the presence of atmospheric air but tends to show burning with high flames when the woof is burned in the presence of pure oxygen.

The burning of wood is an example of one of the combustion reaction. The reaction where carbon-containing components are burned in the presence of air or oxygen is a combustion reaction. The reaction yields out the product carbon dioxide molecules and water molecules.

As the oxygen molecule is a gas that supports the combustion. That states that the oxygen molecule speeds up the burning process or the combustion reaction.

Thus, due to this, the burning of wood or specifically a combustion reaction get enhanced in the presence of oxygen rather than in air.

Also sometimes increase the speed of the combustion reaction oxygen is used as a catalyst.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the oxygen is acting as a medium to enhance the burning process due to its nature.