Course Code: CRI 189

Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation

Teacher’s Guide: Module #8

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

Lesson Title: Combustion and Its Aspects Materials: Ballpen, Paper, Notebook
& SAS
Lesson Objectives: References:
Pearsonhighered.com
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. describe the process of combustion; and
2. identify the aspects of combustion.

Productivity Tip: Score: /70

Try doing a Picture Walk before starting this module. Take a quick look
at the captions, activities, pictures, etc. This is to give your brain an idea
of what’s coming - it’s like watching a trailer of a movie. Doing this for a
minute will help your brain organize your thoughts before answering.

A. LESSON PREVIEW/REVIEW

Introduction (2 mins)
How’s your day! I hope you’re still doing great. Today our topic is quite interesting since we will
be talking about “Combustion and its Aspects” By the way, do you have any idea about our topic this
day? The teacher will ask at least two (2) students to answer. Great!
This module will unlock new topics; as such why should you be learning this? You need to learn
this for you to know the different principles of combustions. The learning objectives are you must have
to: a) describe the process of combustion; and b) identify the aspects of combustion. Are you guys
ready? Alright, let’s begin with this first activity!

B.MAIN LESSON

Activity 1: Content Notes (20 mins)

Instructions: Read and analyze the concepts below and after that
you have to answer the question that follows. Write it on the space
provided.

COMBUSTION AND ITS ASPECTS

The Combustion Continuum

Combustion is an oxidative decomposition in which oxygen (the oxidant) oxidizes a fuel. The different
manifestations of combustion, ranging from a gentle candle flame to a violent military explosive, are
part of a continuum that includes the propellants used in firearms. The terms use to describe the
decomposition depends on characteristics such as the speed of the reaction. For example, in the
detonation of an explosive, the reaction front moves faster than the speed of sound, it is called
deflagration. This term can also be applied to what we meant by the term “burning” in which the flame

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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #8

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

speed is less than the speed of sound. As the flame front’s speed increases, oxygen from the
atmosphere is incapable of sustaining it, and additional oxygen must come from another source such
as potassium nitrate. The fuel must also change as the energy derived from it increases.

Combustion is an exothermic reaction in which reactants are converted to principally gaseous products.
Because the reaction is exothermic, the product gases heat up and expand, and in turn can be
harnessed to do work. In a fire, such as arson, this expansion generates plumes with predictable
behaviors that leave distinctive markings at the crime scene.

Combustion requires reactants and enough energy to exceed the energy of activation required to
initiate the reaction. Once initiated, enough energy is produced to supply the necessary energy of
activation to sustain the reaction until one of the reactants is exhausted. With a simple flame, the fuel is
exhausted first, since the oxidant may be the limiting reagent.

The energy released in combustion reactions results from the increased stability (lower potential
energy) of the products relative to that of the reactants. The energy released can be estimated with the
two methods. The first method is based on the table values of thermodynamic quantities under
standard conditions of temperature and pressure. The second method calculates how much energy is
required to break the chemical bonds in the reactants and form the bonds of the products.

Some readers may be familiar with the fire triangle, which is one way of summarizing the requirements
for a combustion reaction. Such a triangle is divided into three regions, identified as fuel, oxidant, and
heat (the last of which supplies energy of activation). Building on the concept of the triangle, we will
consider the requirements for combustion to be:
1. fuel and oxidant in appropriate quantities and concentration,
2. a source of energy of activation; and
3. sufficient contact time for the energy source to initiate the reaction.

The absence of any one factor prevents source to initiate the reaction.

The first requirement, fuel and oxidant in proper proportions, illustrates key points and unmasks
common misconceptions. Wood does not burn; rather, what burns are the vapors emanating from
heated wood. Gasoline in a can will not explode because the proper fuel-air mixture does not exist. A
cigarette tossed into a pool of gasoline usually smothers before it has a chance to ignite the vapour
above it. Similarly, the Hollywood staple of exploding gas tanks in cars is more fiction than fact. Rapid
burning can occur, but only when the gas tank is ruptured, the contents leak and vaporize, and the
proper air-fuel vapor mixture is created at the same time and place as a source of ignition that stays in
contact long enough to spark the reaction.

ASPECTS OF COMBUSTION

Consider a simple model of combustion: burning wood. Once the fire is burning, heat must be
transferred efficiently to the wood to vaporize reactants. Heat transfer is also needed to ensure that
energy of activation is overcome and the reaction is self-sustaining. Specifically, the activation energy
must be sufficient to form free radicals, the heart of combustion reaction mechanisms. Oxygen must

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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #8

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

move into the reaction zone via mass transfer, and the rate of this transfer directly affects the reaction.
Think of blowing across a smoldering fire, an action that increases the efficiency of mass transport of
oxygen and speeds the reaction by supplying more oxidizing agent. The kinetic (speed) of combustion
depends on the rate of formation of free radicals in the flame flickering above the wood. The reaction
speed also depends on multiple rate constants and reactant concentrations in multiple connected
chain-reaction pathways. The heat evolved, favoured pathways, and the balance of products will all
depend on thermodynamic considerations, including stoichiometric ratios and equilibria. Thus, all
interact to control and define the complex process of combustion.

1. Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics relates concepts of energy flow, enthalpy, entropy, free energy and equilibrium.

The first law of thermodynamics states roughly that energy is neither created nor destroyed but only
changes form. In combustion, potential energy in chemical bonds (chemical energy) is converted to
heat and work. Energy is defined as the ability to do work and can be categorized by the type of work
done. For example, there is chemical energy, potential energy, mechanical energy and kinetic energy.

The second law of thermodynamics relates to entropy that states that in any spontaneous process, the
disorder of the universe increases. Entropy increases during combustion because gaseous products
are formed and heat is released by the exothermic reaction. Molecules move faster at higher
temperatures relative to molecules at lower temperatures, resulting in increased disorder.

2. Kinetics of Combustion

Kinetics is the study of the speed of reactions and their mechanisms. Combustion is a complex free-
radical process in which many reactions can occur and in which a complex mixture of products forms.
The pathways favoured and resulting products depend on which reactions are favoured under the given
conditions.

Combustion does not involve simple single-step collisions between a fuel molecule and an oxidant.
Rather, the reactions that occur during combustion are based on free radicals. In a free-radical
mechanism, three generic steps take place:

1. INITIATION, in which the first free radicals are formed

2. PROPAGATION, in which reactions among radicals produce more radicals
3. TERMINATION, which results from the combination of two free radicals to form a neutral species

3. Heat Transfer

Heat transfer and heat flow in combustion begins with the premise that all the heat evolved in the
process goes into heating the products and raising their temperatures. In other words, we assume an
adiabatic flame. Excess oxidant (a lean mix) reduces temperature, because the heat must be
distributed to excess reactant as well as to the products. Heated air is less dense than cooler air, and
as a result, much of the radiant heat produced in a simple combustion like a burning candle is carried

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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #8

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

away in rising air and gases. This kind of combustion is also called a buoyant flame. Heat is also
required for phase transitions. In the candle, the wax must first be melted to liquid and vaporized before
combustion occurs. For some heavier hydrocarbons, the melting point and heat needed to vaporize
them can be quite high. If heat dwindles, so will the supply of vaporized fuel.

Heat transfer to the substrate has interesting effects on fire behavior and arson investigation. Heat may
reach deep into a substrate such as wood even when oxygen cannot. The result is pyrolysis (“fire
cutting”) or decomposition in a reducing environment. The products of pyrolysis are different from those
of oxidation and can be identified as a layer in burned wood. Typically, the pyrolysis zone is some
distance below the burned surface. The layer is defined by the availability of oxygen and by the depth
to which heat can penetrate.

Heat transfer is directly related to the concept of mass transfer. Heat is used to heat products of the
reaction, which, on a molecular level, means that the greater the heat is, the more kinetic energy is
transferred to the product molecules. This kinetic energy can be transferred to other molecules via
collision. However, for that energy to be transferred to key molecules such as those found in the
vaporized candle wax, the energy has to be delivered, via fast-moving molecules, to the right place.
That movement of mass is called mass transfer.

4. Mass Transfer

In combustion, the process is complex and dynamic. Heat transferred to the fuel imparts the energy
needed to vaporize the fuel or its pyrolysis products. These vapors diffuse away from the surface, a
zone of high concentration. In the combustion zone, the fuel is consumed, as is oxygen, which diffuses
inward toward the combustion zone. The combustion zone approximates the concentration ratios. A fire
burning on a vertical surface such as a wall, and a “pool fire”, which would occur in arson in which
gasoline was used as an accelerant.

In cases involving a poured liquid accelerant, mass transport of the fuel occurs in a lateral direction,
controlled by the characteristics of the surface. Gasoline on a nonporous surface like concrete will
diffuse easily, whereas gasoline on a porous surface like wood or carpet will tend to be absorbed. As a
result, porous and semiporous surfaces should be sampled in depth, since the chances of finding
residual accelerants is increased in such cases.

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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #8

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

Let us answer the question below based on your readings. Write it on the space
provided:

1. What are the different aspects of combustion?

Answer: thermodynamics, kinetics of combustion, heat transfer and mass

transfer

Activity 2: Skill-building Activities (18 mins + 2 mins checking)

This is a self-assessment; you have to answer the question
honestly. After that check your answers against the Key to
Corrections found at the end of this SAS. Write your score on
the space provided.

2.1 In your own idea, what is meant by combustion? You limit your answer to five (5) sentences only.
(10 points) Score: over 10

___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.2 Using your own words explain the four (4) aspects of combustion. You limit your answer to three (3)
sentences each aspect. Write it on the space provided. (5 points each)
Aspects of Explanation Score: / 20
Combustion
1. Thermodynamics

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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #8

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

2. Kinetics of
Combustion

3. Heat Transfer

4. Mass Transfer

Activity 3: Check for Understanding (5 mins)

This is a self-assessment; you have to answer these questions
honestly. After that check your answers against the Key to
Corrections found at the end of this SAS. Write your score on your
paper.

Multiple Choice. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. It is an oxidative decomposition in which oxygen (the oxidant) oxidizes a fuel.

a. flame c. accelerant
b. combustion d. smoke

2. Combustion is an ____________ reaction in which reactants are converted to principally gaseous

products.
a. chemical c. exothermic
b. thermal d. fire

3. The following are the requirements for combustion except:

a. fuel and oxidant
b. sufficient contact time for the energy source to initiate the reaction
c. a source of energy of activation
d. flame

4. The wood does burn. This statement is:

a. false c. maybe false
b. true d. maybe true

5. It is considered to be the heart of combustion reaction mechanisms.

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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #8

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

a. smoke c. free radicals

b. energy d. heat

6. It is the ability to do work and can be categorized by the type of work done.
a. free radicals c. heat
b. energy d. smoke

7. It is the study of the speed of reactions and their mechanisms.

a. combustion c. energy
b. propagation d. kinetics

8. The three (3) generic steps that take place in a free radical mechanism in combustion are the
following except:
a. termination c. smoldering
b. initiation d. propagation

9. A kind of combustion where heated air is less dense than cooler air and as a result, much of the
radiant heat produced in a simple combustion like a burning candle is carried away in rising air and
gases.
a. pyrolysis c. exothermic reaction
b. buoyant flame d. smoke

10. The movement of mass via fast-moving molecules is called:

a. pyrolysis c. mass transfer
b. heat transfer d. kinetic

C. LESSON WRAP-UP
Activity 4: Thinking About Learning (5 mins)
A. Work Tracker
You are done with this session! Let’s track your progress. Shade the
session number you just completed. You mark the place in the work
tracker which is simply a visual to help you to track how much work you
have accomplished and how much work there is left to do.

B. Think About Your Learning

B.1 Instruction: There are two (2) parts of this activity; first I am going to ask you, “Did you have
challenges in today’s learning?” How did you overcome those challenges? Support your answer.
Write it on the space provided. And then on the second part would be your self-evaluation on achieving
the learning targets.

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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #8

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________

B.2 This is a self-evaluation on achieving the learning targets: Just place a check (/) mark on the
space provided.
1. I CAN describe the process of combustion. _______
2. I CAN identify the aspects of combustion. _______

Q1. What is the meaning of combustion?

Answer: It is the act of burning something or the process of burning.
Q2. What is the importance of the concept of fire triangle as requirements for combustion?
Answer: The concept of fire triangle is very important as requirements for combustion for the absence
of any one factor prevents combustion.

KEY TO CORRECTIONS:

Rubrics on Activity 2.1 Rate

Organization of thoughts=4 points
Grammar = 3 points
Readability = 2 points
Cleanliness = 1 point
TOTAL= 10 points
Rubrics on Activity 2.2 Rate
Answered completely with 3 sentences each 20 points
Answered completely with 2 sentences each 15 points
Answered completely with 1 sentence each 5 points
Answered incompletely with erasures 3 points
NO answer at all 0
Activity 3.1: Suggested Answer
1. b. combustion

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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #8

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

2. c. exothermic
3. d. flame
4. a. false
5. c. free radicals
6. b. energy
7. d. kinetics
8. c. smoldering
9. b. buoyant flame
10. c. mass transfer
Rubrics on Activity 3.2 Rate
Complete answer with 3 sentences each without erasure 20 (Perfect Score)
Complete answer with 3 sentences and with erasure 10
Incomplete answers (leaving items blank or without answer) 0

TEACHER-LED ACTIVITIES:

In-classroom learning session:

1. Collect completed work in the SAS.
2. Allocate your contact time with students to individual or small group mentoring, monitoring,
and student consultations.
3. You may administer summative assessments (quizzes, demonstrations, graded recitation,
presentations, performance tasks) during face-to-face sessions.
4. You may also explore supplementary activities that foster collaboration, provided that social
distancing is observed.
5. You may provide supplementary content via videos, etc.

Congratulations! That’s enough for today; study the module regarding

Factors that Influence the Spread of Fire

in advance for our next topic. Thank you!