Fire [Chemical formula, Physical, Chemical Properties and Reactions]

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: February 3, 2024

fire has no specific chemical formula because it is formed from  different compound.

Physical Properties of Fire:

CharacteristicDetails
ExpansionFire tends to expand rapidly, especially in the presence of combustible materials, due to the release of gases.
Flame ShapeFire typically appears as a flickering, elongated flame with a distinct conical shape.
Heat ProductionFire generates heat energy as a result of combustion.
Light EmissionFire emits visible light in various colors, depending on the temperature and materials being burned.
Smoke ProductionFire generates smoke, which consists of small particles and gases produced during combustion.
TemperatureFire can reach high temperatures, typically ranging from several hundred to several thousand degrees Celsius.

Chemical Properties of Fire:

CharacteristicDetails
CombustionFire is a chemical reaction known as combustion, involving rapid oxidation of a fuel in the presence of oxygen.
Combustion ProductsFire produces combustion byproducts, including gases (such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water vapor), ash, and soot.
Exothermic ReactionFire is an exothermic reaction, meaning it releases heat energy to the surroundings.
Flame ColorThe color of the flame indicates the chemical elements or compounds present in the fuel and the temperature of the fire. Different colors may indicate different burning materials.
Fuel ConsumptionFire consumes fuel to sustain itself and continue burning. The type and quantity of fuel affect the behavior of fire.
OxidationFire involves the process of oxidation, where oxygen reacts with the fuel, releasing heat, light, and various combustion byproducts.

Reactions of fire with Alkaline Earth Metal

Alkaline Earth Metal Chemical Equation
Beryllium (Be) No product formed
Magnesium (Mg) 2Mg     and O₂ →  2MgO
Calcium (Ca) 2Ca     and O₂ →  2CaO
Strontium (Sr) 2Sr     and O₂ →  2SrO
Barium (Ba) 2Ba     and O₂ →  2BaO
Radium (Ra) No specific equation available.

Reactions of fire with Alkali Metal

Alkali Metal Chemical Equation
Lithium (Li) 4Li     and O₂ →  2Li₂O
Sodium (Na) 4Na     and O₂ →  2Na₂O
Potassium (K) 4K     and O₂ →  2K₂O
Rubidium (Rb) 4Rb     and O₂ →  2Rb₂O
Cesium (Cs) 4Cs     and O₂ →  2Cs₂O
Francium (Fr) No specific equation available.

Reactions of fire with Transition Metal

Transition Metal Chemical Equation
Iron (Fe) 4Fe     and 3O₂ →  2Fe₂O₃
Copper (Cu) 2Cu     and O₂ →  2CuO
Silver (Ag) No product formed
Gold (Au) No product formed
Platinum (Pt) No product formed
Titanium (Ti) 2Ti     and O₂ →  2TiO₂

Reactions of fire with Non-Transition Metal

Non-Transition Metal Chemical Equation
Aluminum (Al) 4Al     and 3O₂ →  2Al₂O₃
Zinc (Zn) 2Zn     and O₂ →  2ZnO
Tin (Sn) 2Sn     and 2O₂ →  2SnO₂
Lead (Pb) No product formed
Bismuth (Bi) No product formed
Antimony (Sb) 4Sb     and 3O₂ →  2Sb₂O₃
Arsenic (As) No product formed
Mercury (Hg) No product formed
Iodine (I) No product formed
Sulfur S     and O₂ →  SO₂ (g)

Reactions of fire with Non-Metal

Non-Metal Chemical Equation
Hydrogen (H₂) 2H₂ (g)    and O₂ →  2H₂O (g)
Oxygen (O₂) No product formed
Nitrogen (N₂) No product formed
Carbon (C) C₍ₛ₎    and O₂ →  CO₂ (g)
Phosphorus (P) 4P₍ₛ₎    and 5O₂ →  2P₂O₅
Sulfur (S₈) S₈     and 8O₂ →  8SO₂ (g)
Chlorine (Cl₂) No specific equation available.
Fluorine (F₂) No specific equation available.
Bromine (Br₂) No specific equation available.
Iodine (I₂) No product formed

Reactions of fire with Metalloid

Metalloid Chemical Equation
Boron (B) 2B₍ₛ₎    and 3O₂ →  2B₂O₃
Silicon (Si) No product formed
Germanium (Ge) No product formed
Arsenic (As) No product formed
Antimony (Sb) 4Sb     and 3O₂ →  2Sb₂O₃
Tellurium (Te) Te     and O₂ →  TeO₂
Polonium (Po) No specific equation available.