A fire is not simply a gas, but it often involves gas.
Understanding Fire and Flames
The nature of a flame, which is a key component of fire, depends on what is being burned.
- Most Flames are Hot Gas: According to the reference, most flames are composed of hot gas.
- Some Flames are Plasma: Under extreme heat conditions, some flames can transition into plasma.
- Example: A candle flame is primarily a mixture of hot gases, including air and vaporized paraffin wax. The oxygen in the air reacts with the paraffin to produce heat, light, and carbon dioxide.
Therefore, while fire often involves hot gases and the reaction between them, classifying fire solely as a gas is inaccurate. It's a complex process that can result in different states of matter, including gas and plasma.
