Question

Explain, how $C{O_2}$ is able to control fires.

Answer 1

Hint: Carbon dioxide is a colourless gas having sharp faint odour and one of the most vital greenhouse gases that is linked to global warming. Carbon dioxide is used in fire extinguishers, as a refrigerant, blasting coal. It is slightly soluble in water.

Complete answer:
Carbon dioxide is a chemical compound that consists of one carbon and two oxygen atoms. It is a waste product that is made by our body. Carbon dioxide is non-combustible gas and it can be used to extinguish fire by flooding the area around the fire with the gas.
Carbon dioxide does not itself react to extinguish fire but it cuts the supply of oxygen by replacing or displacing it. Carbon dioxide covers the fire and cut-off the contact of oxygen and fuel. This is because carbon dioxide is heavier than the oxygen.
In the fire extinguishers, carbon dioxide is kept in the liquid form under pressure and it can work well on some of the small flammable liquid. When carbon dioxide is released, it expands enormously and cools down. Due to this temperature it brings down and this helps in controlling the fire.
These are some ways by which carbon dioxide is able to control the fires.

Note: Carbon dioxide can be found in mechanical rooms, laboratories, kitchens and flammable liquid storage chambers. All the carbon dioxide extinguishers undergo hydrostatic testing and they recharge every after five years. $C{O_2}$ may be ineffective for class A fires because it is not able to displace oxygen to successfully put fire out. So, class A materials can be re-ignited and smolder.