Fire
lastmod 2022-03-28created 2016-02-032 edits
Fire is an oxidation process in which a substance burns and releases energy in the form of light and heat. It usually occurs when a combustible material combines with sufficient oxygen and heat. When atoms are placed in a high-temperature state they lose electrons and become ionized, and the electromagnetic waves emitted by this ionized high-temperature plasma are what we see in the form of fire.
Humanity has gained many benefits from fire, using it for lighting, keeping the body warm, staying safe from wild animals, and cooking food. Some people regard fire as the symbol of civilization. Along with water, securing fuel to make fire has been an important resource in every era.
Fire also holds an important place in human thought. In ancient Greek and Chinese philosophy, fire was considered one of the elements, and some religions make fire an object of worship. A representative fire-worshipping religion is Zoroastrianism.
Fire is also sometimes regarded as a symbol of death and destruction, as in conflagrations and war.
See also
- wildfire (forest fire, bushfire, wildland fire or rural fire)
- Fire Detection
- Firebell
- Fire
See also
- Planck's law of black-body radiation
- Light