Q.8 Explain how CO₂ is able to control fires.

CO₂ is a non-combustible gas and extinguishes fire in two ways:

(i) It is heavier than oxygen and covers the fire like a blanket. It cuts off the contact between oxygen and fuel by displacing oxygen.

(ii) In cylinders, CO₂ is kept in the liquid form. As it is released from the cylinder CO₂ expands enormously. This is an effective way to put out fires and also prevent fire from reoccurring because of the lack of oxygen and the ice cold temperature of the CO₂ when released from the extinguisher.