Home › CBSE Class 8 › chemistry › combustionandflame › Why is CO₂ an EXCELLENT fire extinguisher, espec…
Why is CO₂ an EXCELLENT fire extinguisher, especially for electrical fires?
AIt is hotter than the burning fuel
BIt reacts with the fuel and converts it to water
CIt freezes the fuel so it cannot burn
DIt is heavier than oxygen and blankets the fire, cutting off the oxygen supply, and does not conduct electricity
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. It is heavier than oxygen and blankets the fire, cutting off the oxygen supply, and does not conduct electricity
CO₂ is denser than oxygen, so it settles like a blanket over the fire and stops oxygen from reaching the fuel. When released from a cylinder it also expands and cools, lowering the temperature of the fuel. And unlike water, it does not conduct electricity, so it can safely be used on electrical fires.
Related questions
Forest fires can sometimes start without any human cause. Two natural mechanisms mentionedA 'good' or 'ideal' fuel should have ALL of the following properties EXCEPT:Carbon monoxide (CO) is particularly dangerous because:Why is wood being progressively replaced by LPG in many Indian households?Sulphur and nitrogen in fuels are particularly harmful because, when burned, they form sulIf LPG has a calorific value of ~55 kJ/g and wood has a calorific value of ~20 kJ/g, then Three conditions are essential for fire: fuel, oxygen and ignition temperature (the 'fire Among solid, liquid and gaseous fuels — which is the EASIEST to control flame size and tur