Debunked Fact Physics

Fire Requires Only Oxygen, Heat, and Fuel

Fire requires a chain reaction; oxygen alone is insufficient

Fire is a simple process requiring only three ingredients: oxygen, heat, and fuel (the fire triangle).

The fire triangle is an oversimplification. Modern chemistry describes combustion as a chain reaction requiring not just the three components, but an ongoing chemical reaction. The fire tetrahedron (adding chain reaction) is more accurate. Oxygen alone doesn't cause fire without sufficient heat and fuel combining properly. Some fires burn without oxygen using other oxidizers.

Believed Since 1950
Year Revised 2000
Why Changed Oversimplification
Confidence Revised
Region Worldwide

Reception

6/10
6/10

Sources

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