Carbon dioxide is the best fire extinguisher for fires involving electrical equipment and inflammable materials like petrol?

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question states that carbon dioxide (CO2) is the best fire extinguisher for fires involving electrical equipment and inflammable materials like petrol. We need to analyze whether this statement is true or false.

2. **Properties of Carbon Dioxide**: Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is heavier than air. It does not support combustion, which means it does not react with fire.

3. **Mechanism of Action**: When carbon dioxide is used as a fire extinguisher, it works by displacing oxygen in the air. Since fire requires oxygen to sustain combustion, removing oxygen effectively suffocates the fire.

4. **Application to Electrical Fires**: In the case of electrical fires, using water is dangerous because it can conduct electricity. Carbon dioxide, being non-conductive, is safe to use on electrical equipment.

5. **Application to Inflammable Materials**: For fires involving inflammable materials like petrol, carbon dioxide can cover the fire like a blanket, preventing oxygen from reaching the fuel and thus extinguishing the fire.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the properties and mechanisms of carbon dioxide, we can conclude that the statement is true. Carbon dioxide is indeed the best fire extinguisher for fires involving electrical equipment and inflammable materials like petrol.

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