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Chemistry / Re: Why doesn't water burn?
« on: 19/09/2019 00:25:25 »
'Burning' is actually a redox process.
The hydrogen and oxygen in water are fairly stable redox wise, but only in comparison to other natural compounds.
Thanks to this, the oceans aren't literally on fire.
However, strong oxidizers do, in effect, 'burn' water.
A dramatic example is chlorine trifluoride: ClF3, CAS 7790-91-2.
Upon contact with water (or almost anything else), violent reaction occurs.
TL;DR:
Anything can burn with the right incentive.
Note: I wanted to embed a good youtube vid showcasing the stuff, but can't link currently. Look up Chlorine Trifluoride - it's fun!
The hydrogen and oxygen in water are fairly stable redox wise, but only in comparison to other natural compounds.
Thanks to this, the oceans aren't literally on fire.
However, strong oxidizers do, in effect, 'burn' water.
A dramatic example is chlorine trifluoride: ClF3, CAS 7790-91-2.
Upon contact with water (or almost anything else), violent reaction occurs.
TL;DR:
Anything can burn with the right incentive.
Note: I wanted to embed a good youtube vid showcasing the stuff, but can't link currently. Look up Chlorine Trifluoride - it's fun!
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