Oxyfuel cutting involves which type of chemical reaction?

Oxyfuel cutting involves which type of chemical reaction?

• A. Reduction
• B. Oxidation
• C. Hydrolysis
• D. Polymerization

Answer: (B)

Oxyfuel cutting hinges on an oxidation reaction. The hot flame supplies heat and a high concentration of oxygen, so the iron in the metal reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide. This oxidation releases a lot of heat, keeping the metal at or above its ignition temperature so the oxide layer can melt and be blown away by the jet, producing the cut. This is not hydrolysis or polymerization, and it’s the opposite of reduction, which would remove oxygen. The essential idea is that the cutting action comes from the metal reacting with oxygen in the presence of heat.

Oxyfuel cutting hinges on an oxidation reaction. The hot flame supplies heat and a high concentration of oxygen, so the iron in the metal reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide. This oxidation releases a lot of heat, keeping the metal at or above its ignition temperature so the oxide layer can melt and be blown away by the jet, producing the cut. This is not hydrolysis or polymerization, and it’s the opposite of reduction, which would remove oxygen. The essential idea is that the cutting action comes from the metal reacting with oxygen in the presence of heat.