Question

Manu was heating oil to fry potato chips. The cooking oil all of a sudden caught fire; he poured water to extinguish the fire. Do you think this action was suitable? If yes, why? If not, why not? In such a condition what should Manu have done?

Answer 1

Oil has density lighter than that of water. And a substance having lighter density will float over a higher density element. So we will try to analyze whether putting water over a lighter density element will have any impact upon burning oil or not. Moreover to stop burning fire we have to stop the supply of oxygen so that hence it will not enhance the rate of burning and gradually it will slow down and eventually it will stop.

Complete answer:
We have given the statement that Manu was heating oil to fry potato chips. And all of a sudden it caught fire and he poured water to it.
Oil has lighter weight or density than that of water. Hence, the action of the person is not suitable as the oil will float on the water. So the fire on oil will not stop rather will increase as it will get more oxygen. Hence Manu should have switched off the flame of the burner and tried to put a lid on the frying pan. This action may help to cut off the contact between fuel and oxygen and the flame will go off or Manu may put some sand or soil to the pan .As these are heavier than oil it will help him stop the burning fire.

Note:
Every kitchen should have some kind of safety equipment such as a proper exhaust fan or fire extinguisher for such critical situations so that they may not get injured. Always remember that putting water to burning oil is dangerous.