what happen when metal, cloth and wood get exposed to fire

Why don't you find out for yourself? Ask an adult to help you expose each of these materials to a match flame or a small fire. Note that different kinds of cloth (cotton, synthetic, wool) react differently to fire.

Also, try to look on discoverychannel . com to look for a MythBusters episode related to that (or even on YouTube). They did an experiment related to this.

When metal, cloth, and wood get exposed to fire, different reactions occur due to their varying properties and combustion behavior.

1. Metal:
Metals have high melting points and are good conductors of heat. When exposed to fire, metals initially absorb heat, which can cause them to become hot. However, metals like iron, copper, and aluminum do not burn in a conventional sense. Instead, they undergo a process called oxidation or rusting, which is a chemical reaction with oxygen in the air. This reaction forms metal oxides, such as iron oxide (rust) or copper oxide, on the surface of the metal. In extreme cases, when exposed to intense heat, some metals can melt or even vaporize.

2. Cloth:
Cloth is primarily composed of fibers, such as cotton, wool, or synthetic materials. When exposed to fire, cloth undergoes a process called combustion, where heat energy breaks down the fibers, releasing flammable gases that mix with oxygen in the air, creating a flame. The flame sustains as long as there is an adequate supply of oxygen and combustible gases. If the cloth is not extinguished, it will continue to burn until the entire material is consumed. The extent and speed of combustion depend on factors like the type and thickness of cloth, heat intensity, and availability of oxygen.

3. Wood:
Wood is a natural and porous material consisting of organic fibers and moisture. When exposed to fire, wood goes through a process known as pyrolysis. Initially, heat causes the moisture inside the wood to evaporate, which slows down the rate of burning. As the temperature rises further, the heat triggers the breakdown of complex organic compounds in wood, resulting in combustible gases that mix with oxygen and ignite in the form of flames. The flames sustain as long as there is a source of fuel (wood) and oxygen supply. If not extinguished, the fire can consume the wood until there is no fuel left.

It is important to note that fire can be dangerous and cause harm. Always prioritize safety and consult professionals in case of emergencies involving fire.