Physics · Heat, temperature, thermal expansion, specific heat capacity, calorimetry, change of state, latent heat

What extinguishes a fire most quickly?

What extinguishes a fire most quickly?

  • A. Cold water
  • B. Boiling water
  • C. Hot water
  • D. Ice

Step-by-step solution

Cold water has the lowest initial temperature, allowing it to absorb the most heat from the fire before reaching its boiling point. This maximizes cooling and extinguishes the fire most quickly compared to hot or boiling water, which are already closer to their boiling point and thus absorb less heat. Ice, while having high latent heat of fusion, is a solid and does not spread as effectively, making it slower overall.
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