Answer to Question #43312 in Chemistry for Zeph

Question

List other chemical reactions that can result in heating being produced to such an extent that ignition may occur

Answer 1

If the rate of heatproduction during the reaction is greater than the rate of heat loss to the
environment, self ignition can occur. An exothermal reaction in a dust pile is an example of that.
Another example is organicmaterial decomposition on the landfills. The main reaction of that process is:
Organic material + H₂O (bacteria) → biodegraded organic matter + CH₄ + CO₂ + other gases
In the right conditions(enough CH₄ concentration and heat) the self ignition may occur.
2CH₄+3O₂=2CO+4H₂O