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Chemistry question?

Since water is H2O - Hydrogen is flammable, Oxygen is Flammable - Why is water non-flammable?

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  • 1 decade ago
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    This is a very good question, and should intuitively make sense. Chemistry, however, is oftentimes counterintuitive.

    All molecules are made up of various elements. These elements, by themselves, each have independent and shared properties. Oxygen, for instance, is a clear odorless gas. However, when six elemental Oxygen molecules combine with 12 Hydrogen (also a clear odorless gas) and 6 Carbon, (either a black chalky brittle solid, or a diamond, depending upon certain factors) they make a compound that is absolutely NOTHING like any of those molecules separated- sucrose. (common sugar).

    This carries over to the analysis of water as well. Sure, H and O are both clear odorless highly flammable gases, but when combined, they make a clear odorless highy unflammible liquid.

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