Oxyfuel cutting is this type of chemical process?

Oxyfuel cutting is this type of chemical process?

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

Answer: (B)

In oxyfuel cutting, the key idea is oxidation. The torch feeds fuel gas and oxygen, and the metal reacts with the oxygen to form a metal oxide. This oxidation reaction releases heat, raising the metal to its ignition point and allowing the oxide to form and be removed, which creates the cut. It’s not a reduction (which would involve removing oxygen or adding electrons), not hydrolysis (which involves reaction with water), and not polymerization (which builds large molecules). So the process at work is oxidation.

In oxyfuel cutting, the key idea is oxidation. The torch feeds fuel gas and oxygen, and the metal reacts with the oxygen to form a metal oxide. This oxidation reaction releases heat, raising the metal to its ignition point and allowing the oxide to form and be removed, which creates the cut. It’s not a reduction (which would involve removing oxygen or adding electrons), not hydrolysis (which involves reaction with water), and not polymerization (which builds large molecules). So the process at work is oxidation.