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Pyrolysis

Context

This video shows an infrared view of the room. It allows us to visualize thermal energy. Red indicates hotter areas. 

Look closely at the white box showing a lampshade as it heats up. Is there evidence that it is getting hotter and releasing gases? What do you notice ignites?

In a fire, solids don’t burn and liquids don’t burn, so what is burning? Fire is a result of fuel gasses mixing with oxygen and heat in the correct proportion. Pyrolysis is a process when heat breaks down solids and liquids into fuel gases. Fuel gases mix with oxygen, and when ignited by heat, result in flaming combustion. Can you observe evidence that the lampshade experienced pyrolysis?

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The Science of Fire Forensics
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