What does carbon dioxide do when used as a fire extinguisher?

What does carbon dioxide do when used as a fire extinguisher?

• A. Increases temperature
• B. Produces a loud noise
• C. Displaces oxygen
• D. Creates smoke for concealment

Answer: (C)

When carbon dioxide is used as a fire extinguisher, its primary function is to displace oxygen in the environment. Fires need oxygen to sustain combustion, and by removing this essential element, carbon dioxide effectively suffocates the fire. As a colorless and odorless gas, carbon dioxide is effective in extinguishing fires without leaving any residue, which makes it particularly suitable for use in areas with sensitive electronic equipment. When discharged, it quickly envelopes the flames, reducing the oxygen concentration and thus interrupting the chemical reaction that fuels the fire. The other options—such as increasing temperature, producing a loud noise, or creating smoke—do not accurately describe the role of carbon dioxide in fire extinguishing. Rather than increasing temperature, it serves to cool the environment slightly while starving the fire of oxygen. Similarly, it does not produce loud noises but operates quietly to suppress flames. Lastly, it does not create smoke; rather, the absence of smoke is one of the advantages of using carbon dioxide as a fire suppression system.

When carbon dioxide is used as a fire extinguisher, its primary function is to displace oxygen in the environment. Fires need oxygen to sustain combustion, and by removing this essential element, carbon dioxide effectively suffocates the fire.

As a colorless and odorless gas, carbon dioxide is effective in extinguishing fires without leaving any residue, which makes it particularly suitable for use in areas with sensitive electronic equipment. When discharged, it quickly envelopes the flames, reducing the oxygen concentration and thus interrupting the chemical reaction that fuels the fire.

The other options—such as increasing temperature, producing a loud noise, or creating smoke—do not accurately describe the role of carbon dioxide in fire extinguishing. Rather than increasing temperature, it serves to cool the environment slightly while starving the fire of oxygen. Similarly, it does not produce loud noises but operates quietly to suppress flames. Lastly, it does not create smoke; rather, the absence of smoke is one of the advantages of using carbon dioxide as a fire suppression system.