There are a lot of conflicting arguments from experts regarding this question.
But despite the difference in opinion, most of them seem to agree that fire has weight.
According to one of them…
…fire weighs approximately 1.3 grams per litre.
That is mainly because of the density of gas and air present in flames.
Since fire is part of life, especially the off-grind life, this is a valid question.
You need to understand everything about fire so that you can handle it safely.
Keep reading to know more about fire and how much it weighs.
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Does Fire Have Mass?
When you consider fire as hot air, which is part of the flame, then yes, it does have mass.
The weight, however, will be slightly less than that of air.
That is because fire always flows upwards above the cold air. If it has mass, then it has weight. This is the case when you see fire as hot air.
But when you admit that fire is light and heat, things will be a little complicated.
Heat and light are expressions of energy that don’t have any mass.
So does it mean that fire has zero mass if you consider fire to be heat and light?
That is why it gets complicated when you try to figure out how much fire weighs.
Some of the mathematical solutions to these questions may be above your pay grade.
But that doesn’t mean you should not seek to know the weight of fire.
The 1.3 grams per litre is perhaps the only figure out there as the weight of fire.
However, the numbers are not agreed up by everyone.
What you need to understand is that fire contains gasses.
Based on this fact alone, fire has mass because the gasses have matter inside them.
Calculating the mass of fire, on the other hand, is not an easy process.
But those who have attempted to calculate it agree that fire has some amount of mass.
Weight is distinct from the mass.
But if the fire has mass, it means it has a specific weight that can be calculated.
Some say that fire does not have mass.
But it can reflect or attract specific amounts of mass; that is why it has weight to some extent.
Do Things Weigh Heavier When On Fire?
Things weigh heavier when they are on fire.
When you have two objects of the same weight at the same temperature, and you light one of them on fire, the weight will shift.
The object on fire will be heavier than the one that is not. That continues to show that, indeed, fire has mass and weight.
There is a dramatic weight change that you cannot deny.
However, that does not mean that there are no people who go against the notion.
Regardless of all the fire and weight arguments, one thing is for sure; you have to know the fire safety measures.
Fires can happen anywhere, including at home or on a hiking and camping trip.
The weight of fire will be your last concern in an emergency.
You should figure out how you will handle a fire emergency safely.
Have all the extinguishing tools ready for use at all times. They will come a long way when the fire gets out of hand.
Camping Fire Safety Tips
Your tent should be a safe distance from the cooking area. You should also avoid smoking in the camp tent.
If you smoke, ensure the cigarette is properly extinguished before you throw it away.
They say a cigarette butt that is lit goes further than an unlit cigarette butt when thrown.
That goes to show that fire has a lot of weight.
Another tip is to keep flammable items away from the campfire and the cooking site.
Also, consider setting your fire away from long dry grass.
Lighters, gas cylinders and flammable liquids should be out of reach for children.
Have a solid plan in case there is an outbreak.
Does Fire Weigh Anything?
Fire weighs approximately 1.3 grams per litre.
However, these figures are not universal.
To understand the weight of fire, these are the main questions you must ask.
- Does fire have mass?
- Do things weigh heavier when on fire?
I am an independent safety and survival expert and consultant. I have over 15+ years of experience working with corporations and individuals to help identify, remediate and prepare for threats and and disasters. I help clients understand risks and blog about my thoughts and techniques at DisasterShelters.net