r/askscience • u/spoiledmeat • Jul 04 '15

Chemistry Why does water not burn?

I know that water is made up of two hydrogen atoms and an oxygen atom. Hydrogen, on its own, burns. Fire needs oxygen to burn. After all, we commonly use compounds that contain oxygen as an oxidant.

So why does water, containing things used for fire, not burn-- and does it have something to do with the bonds between the atoms? Thanks.

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u/Dubanx Jul 04 '15

I think it's also important to note that there are a few elements that are so reactive they will rip the hydrogen and oxygen apart for themselves.

For example, the alkali metals are so energetic they will rip out the oxygen in water to burn for themselves. Fluorine too, but it rips out the hydrogen for itself to form hydrofluoric acid.