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Which gas is commonly used in fire extinguishers?
Carbon dioxide
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Hydrogen
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide (CO2тАЛ) is commonly used in fire extinguishers because it is heavier than air and non-flammable. It acts as a blanket over the fire, cutting off the supply of oxygen and suppressing the flames without damaging electrical equipment.
Carbon dioxide (CO2тАЛ) is commonly used in fire extinguishers because it is heavier than air and non-flammable. It acts as a blanket over the fire, cutting off the supply of oxygen and suppressing the flames without damaging electrical equipment.
Think of putting a heavy blanket over a small campfire; it blocks the fresh air (oxygen) from reaching the embers, causing the fire to die out.
CO2 = Cut Off Oxygen
When released from a fire extinguisher, liquid carbon dioxide expands rapidly and cools, forming a dense gas and sometimes dry ice snow. Since CO2тАЛ is about 1.5 times denser than air, it displaces the oxygen surrounding the burning material, suffocating the fire since oxygen is required for combustion.
Carbon dioxide is non-conductive of electricity, making it safe for electrical fires (Class C).
It leaves no residue after use, unlike water or foam-based extinguishers.
It is stored under high pressure as a liquid inside the extinguisher cylinder.
Does not leave any chemical residue or damage delicate equipment.
Safe for use on electrical and flammable liquid fires.
Ineffective on fires involving reactive metals or materials that supply their own oxygen.
Can cause asphyxiation in confined, poorly ventilated spaces.
Server rooms and data centers with sensitive electronic equipment.
Industrial laboratories and electrical substations.
Density of carbon dioxide is approximately 1.98┬аkg/m3 at STP, which is much heavier than air.
Option B (Nitrogen) is an inert gas used in specialized systems but less common in standard portable extinguishers. Option C (Oxygen) supports combustion and would feed the fire. Option D (Hydrogen) is highly flammable.
A is correct тАФ Carbon dioxide is used in fire extinguishers because it is denser than air and starves the fire of oxygen.
Remember that fire requires three elements (fuel, heat, and oxygen); extinguishers work by removing at least one of these components.
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