a piece of glowing wood burst into flames in the gas
Why would this gas be considered oxygen?
If fire is exposed to pure oxygen the reaction for fire would occur more dramatically (like a burst of flames).
Experimentally, a glowing splint bursts into flames with pure oxygen.
To determine if the gas responsible for the wood bursting into flames is oxygen, we need to understand the conditions required for combustion to occur. Combustion is a chemical reaction that involves a fuel source (in this case, the wood), oxygen, and a source of heat. When these three elements combine in the right proportions, combustion takes place, resulting in the wood catching fire.
In this scenario, the wood burst into flames when coming into contact with the gas. The fact that the wood could sustain combustion and burn indicates that the gas was likely oxygen. Oxygen is an essential component for combustion to occur, as it reacts with the wood (fuel) when it comes in contact with heat, initiating the fire.
However, it's important to note that without further information about the specific circumstances or the presence of other gases, we cannot definitively conclude that the gas is oxygen. Other gases, such as chlorine or fluorine, can also support combustion. A scientific test or analysis would be needed to confirm the presence of oxygen or identify the gas accurately.