answersLogoWhite

0

Why is alcohol flammable?

Updated: 5/20/2024
User Avatar

Wiki User

8y ago

Best Answer

Alcohol is the name given to a group of molecules called hydrocarbons. The alcohol present in drinks is ethanol. These hydrocarbons contain many chemical bonds and in turn a large energy potential. When the the alcohol is lit by a another source of energy (lighter) the bonds break rapidly releasing energy in the form of heat. Fossil fuels such as petroleum and coal contain hydrocarbons. As a point of interest internal combustion engines do not efficiently harvest the energy contained in fossil fuels and hence pollute the atmosphere. In a similar comparison our bodies extract energy from similar bonds such as carbohydrates (sugars) and lipids (fats).

User Avatar

Wiki User

8y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

1mo ago

Alcohol is flammable because it has a low flash point, which is the temperature at which it vaporizes and can ignite in the presence of an ignition source like a flame. The chemical structure of alcohol contains carbon and hydrogen atoms which can easily react with oxygen in the air to produce heat and light when ignited.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

because, upon burning, alcohols are converted to CO2 and H2O

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why is alcohol flammable?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Is SD alcohol 40b flammable?

Yes it is alcohol, all alcohol is flammable


Which is more flammable rubbing alcohol or jet fuel?

Rubbing alcohol more flammable.


What chemical smells like rubbing alcohol but is not flammable?

Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, can have a mild odor similar to ethanol (drinking alcohol). Isopropyl alcohol itself is flammable, but some denatured alcohols are available that mimic the smell of rubbing alcohol but have been treated to be non-flammable.


What do alcohol burns with?

Fire. Alcohol is extremely Flammable.


Is polyvinyl alcohol flammable?

No, polyvinyl alcohol is not flammable. It is a synthetic polymer that does not easily catch fire or burn.


Why is ethanol flammable?

Rubbing alcohol is flammable because it contains isopropyl alcohol which is a volatile and flammable organic compound. The fumes of the alcohol will catch on fire if they come into contact with flames.


Is alcohol flammable?

Yes, Alcohol (both Methanol and Ethanol based) are extremely flammable. Please do not try to set it on fire as Alcohol easily soaks into things.


Are liquids flammable?

Not all liquids are flammable. Some liquids that are flammable are gasoline, alcohol, oil. Liquids like water are not flammable.


What chemicals are in hand sanitizer that are flammable?

The principal flammable component is rubbing alcohol.


Is benzyl alcohol flammable?

Yes, benzyl alcohol is flammable. It has a flash point of 145°F and can ignite if exposed to an open flame, spark, or heat source. It is important to handle benzyl alcohol with caution and store it away from sources of ignition.


Is alcohol a flame accelerant?

Yes, alcohol is a flammable liquid and can be used as a flame accelerant. It can increase the intensity and speed of a fire when used as a fuel.


Is Lysol flammable?

Considering that Lysol contains Ethanol and SD Alcohol, it is indeed flammable.