How many times heavier than air is carbon dioxide, making it an effective extinguishing agent?

Carbon dioxide is approximately 1.5 times heavier than air, which is a key characteristic that contributes to its effectiveness as a fire extinguishing agent. This higher density allows carbon dioxide to displace oxygen in the atmosphere around a fire. When the concentration of oxygen is reduced, the combustion reaction is inhibited because oxygen is necessary for the fire to burn.

This property also means that when carbon dioxide is released from an extinguisher, it will settle and spread over the surface of the burning material. The layer of carbon dioxide creates a barrier that prevents oxygen from reaching the flames, thereby suffocating the fire. Its effectiveness in controlling certain types of fires, particularly those involving flammable liquids and electrical fires, makes carbon dioxide a valuable tool in fire suppression.

Understanding the behavior of carbon dioxide in relation to air density is crucial for those who work with portable fire extinguishers, as it informs them of how to properly use this agent to efficiently combat fires.