• Question: why does carbon[iv]oxide not support burning

    Asked by 263heaa27 to Dorcas, Jay Oty, Mel, Chapa, Priscilla on 24 Sep 2014.
    • Photo: Priscilla Ngotho

      Priscilla Ngotho answered on 24 Sep 2014:

      @ 263heaa27
      Carbon dioxide dose not support burning because it excludes oxygen which is a key requirement for combustion (burning). Burning is an exothermic (energy releasing) reaction between a fuel and oxygen. Carbon dioxide is a gas denser than oxygen. When you apply it to a burning substance it displaces oxygen and the fire dies.

    • Photo: Dorcas Kamuya

      Dorcas Kamuya answered on 26 Sep 2014:

      @263heaa27
      Did you mean carbon dioxide? If so, agree with Priscilla’s answer. In addition, carbon dioxide is a fairly stable compound; not easily broken down unless under very high temperatures.
      Dorcas

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