Guys, what do you think will happen if you light a match stick or a lighter in space? First of all, is it possible to light a match stick in space? I mean, in the space but outside a spaceship.
You should try it in your space-suit first...
QUOTE (KKris+May 20 2008, 06:28 AM)
Guys, what do you think will happen if you light a match stick or a lighter in space? First of all, is it possible to light a match stick in space? I mean, in the space but outside a spaceship.
The match would burn as it supplies its own oxidant. However, the lighter would require an atmosphere containing the oxidant to react with the fuel (butane?).
If you are asking of the appearance of the burning match ..I don't know.
The match would burn as it supplies its own oxidant. However, the lighter would require an atmosphere containing the oxidant to react with the fuel (butane?).
If you are asking of the appearance of the burning match ..I don't know.
how bout a big explosion in the space ship?
As Sapo says, if I go into space I can wear a space suit, may be I can even hold a match stick in my hand and wait for a solar flare but what if my space ship blows up as said by graciassenor. OOPS! 
Thanks for Bloy too! guys please let me know if any astronaut can answer this question.
Thanks for Bloy too! guys please let me know if any astronaut can answer this question.
You're kidding? I wasn't. In the hopes that you might get the reference without resort to crudity... 
Major Tom exited the spacecraft, his stomach full with his last supper - a bean burrito, coleslaw, and a pint of milk - and his head filled with the crazy idea to light a match in the pure oxygen environment of his space suit. Ground Control never heard from him again.
QUOTE (KKris+May 20 2008, 12:28 PM)
Guys, what do you think will happen if you light a match stick or a lighter in space? First of all, is it possible to light a match stick in space? I mean, in the space but outside a spaceship.
Supposing you could light it there are a few good questions that are interesting:
- how does the heat energy dissipate in a vacuum? There is no conductive transfer to surrounding gases as in an atmosphere. Of course there other forms of energy dissipation, but without conduction do the properties of combustion vary?
- in an atmosphere but in zero gravity, how does the flame look? Flames on earth point vertically due to gravity assisted convection and also replenish oxygen in this way.
- without convection, what happens to the byproducts of the combustion?
Supposing you could light it there are a few good questions that are interesting:
- how does the heat energy dissipate in a vacuum? There is no conductive transfer to surrounding gases as in an atmosphere. Of course there other forms of energy dissipation, but without conduction do the properties of combustion vary?
- in an atmosphere but in zero gravity, how does the flame look? Flames on earth point vertically due to gravity assisted convection and also replenish oxygen in this way.
- without convection, what happens to the byproducts of the combustion?
QUOTE (Junglistanium+May 21 2008, 05:17 AM)
- in an atmosphere but in zero gravity, how does the flame look? Flames on earth point vertically due to gravity assisted convection and also replenish oxygen in this way.
science.nasa.gov/headlines/images/spiral/flames.gif
I can't post links, but look at it anyway: candle in microgravity.
science.nasa.gov/headlines/images/spiral/flames.gif
I can't post links, but look at it anyway: candle in microgravity.
Good question actually. I recall a discussion among fans about the Star Wars movies concerning the flames coming from struck ships in the outer space dogfights. It was admitted that a certain scientific accuracy was sacrificed for movie excitement when they made the special effects.
Fire needs air to burn. How can something burn? What would it actually look like? What would it look like when fighters shoot each other in space?
Ofelas, I never thought of the gravity matter. Weird. I'll bet the movie special effects people never get that one right either.
Fire needs air to burn. How can something burn? What would it actually look like? What would it look like when fighters shoot each other in space?
Ofelas, I never thought of the gravity matter. Weird. I'll bet the movie special effects people never get that one right either.
QUOTE
- how does the heat energy dissipate in a vacuum? There is no conductive transfer to surrounding gases as in an atmosphere. Of course there other forms of energy dissipation, but without conduction do the properties of combustion vary?
Junglistanium, space is not a vacuum, so the energy dissipation should happen in some way but can't predict how. In a perfect vacuum, energy dissipation is a big question as well.
Ofelas, thanks for the picture!
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