Question

iron does not burn as quickly as magnesium, even in excess of oxygen. Then,why do vehicle catch fire easilly?

Answer 1

It depends on the metal. The short answer is that if a metal is capable of oxidizing, then it can interact with oxygen and the smaller the particles of the metal, the more surface area with which it can interact with the oxygen. Burning is rapid oxidation. A large lump of metal does not have the surface area to interact with enough oxygen fast enough to burn. Making the filings or shavings greatly increases the surface area to the point that it will support very rapid and even violent oxidation, resulting in it’s ability to burn and at times, burn violently.

Answer 2

Vehicles are painted by a special paint that is highly flammable so they catch fire easily and later on this fire gets a boost when it reaches the fuel tanker.