Question
Question: Read the given statements carefully. P: I am the most common fire extinguisher, but not suitable fo...
Read the given statements carefully.
P: I am the most common fire extinguisher, but not suitable for oil, petrol and electrical fires. I am heavier than oil and also conduct electricity.
Q: I am an excellent fire extinguisher and most suitable for oil, petrol and electrical fires. I also form a blanket around the fire and bring down the temperature of the fuel.
Identify P and Q.
CO\textsubscript{2}, H\textsubscript{2}O
H\textsubscript{2}O, CO
O\textsubscript{2}, CO\textsubscript{2}
H\textsubscript{2}O, CO\textsubscript{2}
H₂O, CO₂
Solution
Statement P describes water (H₂O). Water is the most common fire extinguisher but is not suitable for oil fires (as it floats and spreads them) and electrical fires (as it conducts electricity). Water is denser than oil, and tap water conducts electricity.
Statement Q describes carbon dioxide (CO₂). CO₂ is an excellent fire extinguisher, suitable for oil, petrol, and electrical fires because it is non-conductive and displaces oxygen. It forms a blanket around the fire and its cooling effect helps reduce the fuel temperature.