Wikiciv - User contributions [en]

Fire

2025-06-06T21:20:49Z

Eclipse1408: /* Uses */

[[File:Fire triangle 2.svg|thumb|The fire triangle]]
'''[[wikipedia:Fire|Fire]]''' is the rapid oxidation of a material (the [[fuel]]) in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products. Fire requires the completion of the fire triangle of [[oxygen]], [[heat]], and [[fuel]].

== Uses ==
=== Generating Heat ===
[[Heat]] generated from fire has uses in [[cooking]], indoor [[Heat|heating]], manufacturing processes, sterilization etc.

=== Generating Light ===
Light from fire has uses as lighting, signaling and [[hunting]] or [[fishing]].

=== Generating Electricity ===
Fire produces heat, which can heat water until it becomes steam, which can power turbines, which can power generators, which will produce electricity. Alternatively, the turbine can be directly used as mechanical energy.

=== Reaction products ===
Potentially useful reaction products such as [[wood smoke]], [[wood ash]] and [[charcoal]] can be generated using fire. Smoke in particular can be hazardous, care must be take to properly ventilate fire when using it.

== Production Techniques ==
=== Natural occurrences ===
Fire occurs naturally as a result of volcanic activity, meteorite, and lightning strike. The first and easiest way to make a fire is using hot ashes or burning wood from an existing fire, and then to keeping the fire or coals going for as long as possible by adding more combustible material.

=== Friction ===
{{Main|Friction}}
[[Image:Masai warrior lighting a fire.jpg|thumb|Maasai warrior lighting a fire, blowing on it to add oxygen that encourages the fire to spread]]

Fire can be created through [[friction]] by rapidly grinding pieces of solid combustible material (such as [[wood]]) against each other (or a hard surface) which are heated and create an ember.

The [[hand drill]] is the simplest method, characterized by the use of a thin, straightened wooden shaft or reed to be spun with the hands, grinding within a notch against the soft wooden base of a fire board (a wooden board with a carved notch in which to catch heated wood fibers created by friction). This repeated spinning and downward pressure causes black dust to form in the notch of the fireboard, eventually creating a hot, glowing coal. The coal is then carefully placed among dense, fine tinder, which is pressed against it as one blows directly onto the coal until the tinder begins burning and eventually catches into flame. The advantage of the hand drill technique is that it requires no [[rope]].

The [[bow drill]] uses the same principle as the hand drill (friction by rotation of wood on wood) but the spindle is shorter, wider (about the size of a human thumb) and driven by a bow, which allows longer, easier strokes and protects the palms. Additional downward pressure is generated by the handhold.

A [[pump drill]] is a variant of the bow drill that uses a coiled rope around a cross-section of wooden stake spin the shaft by pumping up and down a cross-member.

[[File:PSM V10 D029 Ancient fire making methods.jpg|thumb|right|A fire plough (left), as opposed to a [[hand drill]] (right)]]
The [[fire plough]] or fireplow consists of a [[stick]] cut to a dull point, and a long piece of wood with a groove cut down its length. The stake is pressed down hard and rubbed quickly against the groove of the second piece in a "plowing" motion, to produce hot dust which creates an ember. A split is often made down the length of the grooved piece, so that oxygen can flow freely to the coal/ember.

A [[fire-saw]] is a method by which a piece of wood is sawed through a notch in a second piece or pieces to generate friction. The tinder may be placed between two slats of wood with the third piece or "saw" drawn over them above the tinder so as to catch a coal, but there is more than one configuration.

A [[Fire thong|fire-thong]] uses a non-melting cord, [[ratan]], or flexible strip of wood to 'saw' the wood creating friction. On the board, opposite side the cord, is a well with a hole through the board to gathered the charred, soon-to-smoke, wood dust.

The ''Rudiger roll friction fire method'', also known as the "fire roll" method, is believed to have been invented by World War 2 [[POW]]s. A German survival expert named Rüdiger Nehberg wrote about this method in one of his books. A small amount of wood ash is rolled up inside of [[cotton]] like a cigar. The cotton is then placed between two boards and rolled back and forth. Pressure and speed are both gradually increased. With proper technique ignition can occur in seconds.

=== Percussion ===
[[File:Eldslagning - Nordiska museet - NMA.0051717.jpg|thumb|upright|Firesteel and flint used in [[Dalarna]], Sweden in 1916.]]
A [[fire striker]] or firesteel when hit by a hard, glassy stone such as [[quartz]], [[jasper]], [[agate]] or [[flint]] cleaves small, hot, oxidizing metal particles that can ignite tinder. The steel should be high carbon, non-alloyed, and hardened. Similarly, two pieces of [[iron pyrite]] or [[marcasite]] when struck together can create sparks.

The use of flint in particular became the most common method of producing flames in pre-industrial societies. Travelers up to the late 19th century would often use self-contained kits known as tinderboxes to start fires.

[[File:Mora Knife with Ferrorod.jpg| thumb|right|This [[Mora knife|Mora camping knife]] has a ferrocerium rod stored in the handle, which can be used to make sparks to ignite tinder.]]
Some fire-starting systems use a [[ferrocerium]] rod and a hard scraper to create hot sparks by manually scratching the ferro rod with a [[knife]] or sharp object to ignite man-made or natural tinder. Fire starters based upon ferrocerium are popular with [[bushcraft]] hobbyists and survivalists. Similar sparking devices have a built-in striking blade which provides an easy method for sparking with one hand. Another common type has the ferrorod attached to a [[magnesium]] bar that can be scraped with a knife to make a powdered tinder that will burn for a few seconds.

=== Compression of air ===
A [[fire piston]] ignites a combustible substance that holds an ember (e.g. [[charcloth]]) by rapid compression of [[air]]. Similar to how a [[diesel engine]] works, rapid compression of air heats the interior to 400–700 °F, well above the tinder's [[autoignition temperature]].

=== Solar ===
Sunlight can be concentrated using a [[lens (optics)|lens]] (such as a [[burning glass]]) to focus the energy from the sun onto tinder. A [[concave mirror]] can also concentrate the sun's rays onto tinder.

=== Chemical ===
An exothermic chemical reaction can generate enough heat as to catch itself or tinder on fire. [[Matches]] are small sticks of wood or stiff [[paper]] with a coating that undergoes an exothermic reaction when triggered by friction.

Other reactions that can be used to start fires include:
* [[calcium]] hypochlorite and automotive brake fluid
* potassium permanganate and glycerin
* potassium permanganate, acetone, and [[sulfuric acid]]
* sodium chlorate, [[sugar]], and sulfuric acid
* ammonium nitrate powder, finely ground [[zinc]] powder, and hydrochloric acid
* sulfuric acid, zinc, and platinum (as in [[Döbereiner's lamp]])
* [[Percussion cap]]s, as used in [[muzzleloader]] firearms, and [[Centerfire ammunition|primer]]s used in rifle and shotgun shells create a stream of sparks when rapidly struck.

[[File:Match - first second after strike.jpg|thumb|center|800px|Match—in the first second after strike]]

=== Electrical ===
Electrical firemaking involves the contact of an electrically heated object to tinder. A current is run through the object until it is red hot, like the burners on an [[electric stove]], and it is brought into contact with the tinder, lighting it. For example, a foil-[[paper]] chewing gum wrapper will heat-up and ignite; or a flashlight battery coming into contact with a thin wire mesh (such as steel wool) may produce enough heat to ignite [[charcloth]] or other tinder. Larger [[batteries]] can generate sparks when its leads touch.

== Dependencies ==

* [[Charcoal]]
* [[Coal]]
* [[Electricity]]
* [[Fuel]]
* [[Matches]]
* [[Flint]]
* [[Wood]]
** '''Fire'''
*** [[Oven]]
*** [[Kiln]]

== See also ==
* [[Air]]
* [[Dynamite]]
* [[Hydrocarbon]]
* [[Phosphorus]]
* [[Water]]

== References ==
{{wa|fire}}
{{wa|fire_making}}

[[Category:Featured articles]]
[[Category:Fire]]
[[Category:Chemistry]]

Explosion

2025-05-27T14:43:57Z

Eclipse1408:

A explosion is a sudden burst of energy that results in a rapid expansion in volume of a certain amount of matter, which is often associated with high temperatures and releases of gases. Explosions may also be generated by a slower expansion that would normally not be forceful, but is not allowed to expand in size, so that the pressure that is built within is eventually released forcefully with its measure. Volcanic eruptions are an example of the latter.

Supersonic explosions created by high [[explosives]] are known as detonations and travel through shock waves.

Subsonic explosions are created by low explosives through a slower combustion process known as deflagration.

== Causes ==
For an explosion to occur, there must be a rapid, forceful expansion of matter.

Explosives

2025-05-27T14:31:36Z

Eclipse1408: /* Explosives */

A Explosive is considered a object that produces a [[Explosion]] when triggered.

The following is a non-comprehensive list of explosives:

== Explosives ==
* [[Black powder]]
* [[Dynamite]]
* [[Nitroglycerin]]
* Certain forms of [[thermite]]

== See also ==
<div style="column-count:2">
* [[Thermite]]
* [[Activities]]
* [[Alloys]]
* [[Chemical compounds]]
* [[Chemical elements]]
* [[Minerals]]
* [[Processed materials]]
* [[Raw material]]
* [[Recycled materials]]
* [[Simple Machines]]
* [[Soils]]
* [[Textiles]]
* [[Tools]]
* [[Weapons]]
</div>

[[Category:Explosives|*]]
[[Category:Lists]]

Thermite

2025-05-23T22:19:24Z

Eclipse1408: i added a single citation yay

'''Thermite''' is a pyrotechnnic composition of [[metal]] powder and metal oxide. When ignited by [[heat]] or a chemical reaction, thermite will under go a reduction-oxidation process in which it produces heat. There are many forms of thermite, and most are not [[Explosion|explosive]], though nearly all create bursts of high temperature. Generally, thermite burns at around 2,200 °C, or 3,990 °F.

There are many kinds of thermites. Fuels include [[aluminum]], [[magnesium]], [[titanium]], [[zinc]], [[silicon]], and [[boron]], in which the most common is alumium because of its high boiling point and low cost. Oxidizers include bismuth(III) oxide, [[boron]](III) oxide, [[silicon]](IV) oxide, chromium(III) oxide, [[manganese]](IV) oxide, [[iron]](III) oxide, iron(II,III) oxide, [[copper]](II) oxide, and [[lead]](II,IV) oxide. Most forms of rust can be considered iron(III) oxide, which is why it is also common in making thermite.

The thermite reaction was discovered in 1893 by the German chemist Hans Goldschmidt, who obtained a patent for his process. Nowadays, thermite is often found in thermite welding, such as when welding railroad tracks. Thermite is also used in metal refining, disabling munitions, and in [[Explosives|incendiary weapons]].

== Dependencies ==

* Aluminum, magnesium, titanium, zinc, silicon, and boron, in which the most common is alumium because of its high boiling point and low cost.
* [[Magnesium]] or a Sparkler
* [[Water]]
** Bismuth(III) oxide, boron(III) oxide, silicon(IV) oxide, chromium(III) oxide, manganese(IV) oxide, iron(III) oxide, iron(II,III) oxide, copper(II) oxide, or lead(II,IV) oxide<ref>Kosanke, K; Kosanke, B. J; Von Maltitz, I; Sturman, B; Shimizu, T; Wilson, M. A; Kubota, N; Jennings-White, C; Chapman, D (December 2004). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=Q1yJNr92-YcC&pg=RA2-PA19 Pyrotechnic Chemistry — Google Books]''. Journal of Pyrotechnics, Incorporated. ISBN <bdi>978-1-889526-15-7</bdi>. Retrieved 23 May 2025.</ref>.

== Production Method ==
Thermite is highly flammable and will produce temperatures high enough to melt metal. Do not attempt making this in vicinity of at least four meters<ref>https://edu.rsc.org/experiments/the-thermite-reaction-between-aluminium-and-ironiii-oxide/724.article</ref> (13.1 feet) of anything flammable or metals with low melting points, such as [[lead]], [[tin]], cadmium, or [[zinc]]'''; it will ignite.'''

=== Precautions ===
Alway use a [[ceramic]] container to hold the thermite. [[Plastic]] will burn and produce toxic fumes, and metal will likely melt and be unable to hold the thermite. Ensure that the container has a high melting point of at least 2,200 °C, or 3,990 °F.

There is no guarantee that the container will not break from the heat. Stand back when you ignite the thermite in case the container does actually break.

* Welding masks or glasses are recommended. The former is better, as it will protect your face from the potential UV radiation emitted while it burns. If you don't have either of those things, a pair of the darkest sunglasses you can find, preferrably with full UV protection, is also good. '''Do not look at the flames without a welding mask or glasses.'''
* Heatproof gloves and fireproof aprons are also recommended. The apron should cover your whole body.
* Keep your safety gear on at all times.
* Wear closed-toe shoes and pants and clothes that will cover any exposed skin. This is important because '''burning clothes are extremely hard to remove and will cause servere burns, in which case you will probably die.'''

=== Ingredients ===
Find a [[ceramic]] container. Two or more is better.

Get a propane torch or stick lighter.

Get some powdered iron oxide (rust), aluminum powder, and a strip of [[magnesium]]. The rust needs to be finely powdered to react with the alumium. The magnesium should be thin to easily burn and should be at least 6.5cm (2 inches) long. A longer strip will allow more time to step back. If magnesium is unavaliable, you can find sparklers and they may also work. Replace the iron oxide with copper oxide for an explosion. The alumium powder should not be oxidized.

The iron oxide and alumium powder should be in a weight ratio of 3 grams of iron oxide to 1 gram of alumium powder.

Grinding up the metals manually is somewhat dangerous. Already powered materials are preferred. Alumium powder can be found in paint stores or an Etch-a-Sketch.

=== Preparation ===
Dry out the iron oxide in an oven or over a Bunsen burner. Set the oven to around 93 °C or 200 °F for 1 hour. If you're using a bunsen burner, place the iron oxide on an evaporating dish over the flame for 1 hour. Remember to shut off the gas supply after the iron oxide has finished drying.

Allow the iron oxide to completely cool.

Mix the iron oxide and alumium powder together in a non-metal container, such as on a sheet of paper. Generally, the 3:1 ratio is a good rule of thumb to go by when making high amounts of thermite. Remember to never mix them in a metal container to prevent contamination of thermite.

Pour the resulting mixture in the ceramic container in the aforementioned. If you have a second ceramic container, put the one with the mixture into the second container. '''Do not use ice to control temperature. It will likely explode.'''

=== Deployment ===
'''Once the thermite reaction has started, the only way to stop it is with a high-pressure water jet from far away or extremely compressed air, and that may not even work. This is because the reaction produces its own oxygen, and therefore it will burn as long as the two powders are still there. If you are unsure if you want to continue, stop now.'''

Insert the magnesium strip or sparkler into the mixture. Light the magnesium strip with a propane [[torch]] or stick lighter. '''Do not use matches, as some of the phosphorous will drop into the thermite and it will burn at your face.'''

Wait for the reaction to end.

User:Eclipse1408

2025-05-22T21:44:06Z

Eclipse1408: Created page with "potato potato potato. potato potato potato potato :)"

potato potato potato. potato potato potato potato :)

Wikiciv:Volunteers

2025-05-22T21:43:22Z

Eclipse1408:

The following is a list of volunteers in Wikiciv. If you wish to contribute to the project, add your name by writing <nowiki>* --~~~~</nowiki> below!

* [[User:Jehan]]
* [[User:Signore Galilei]]
* [[User:Uri]]
* [[User:Oscar]]
* [[User:PolarTwin]]
* [[User:CTabarrok]]
* [[User:CASSIE]]
* [[User:Noonynoonynoo]]
* [[User:Shrimpsooup]]
* [[User:Mikaele1100]]
* [[User:Mathematician|Mathematician]] ([[User talk:Mathematician|talk]]) 04:17, 6 May 2025 (UTC)
* [[User:Lunimaine]]
* [[User:CatMeowsBack|CatMeowsBack]] ([[User talk:CatMeowsBack|talk]]) 05:24, 7 May 2025 (UTC)
* [[User:Gelsoup|Gelsoup]] ([[User talk:Gelsoup|talk]]) 20:36, 7 May 2025 (UTC)
* [[User:Figgity]]
* [[User:Ixywas|Ixywas]] ([[User talk:Ixywas|talk]]) 17:38, 8 May 2025 (UTC)
* [[User:LordOfThisWorld]]
* [[User:Mal]]
* [[User:Bloeckchengrafik|Bloeckchengrafik]] ([[User talk:Bloeckchengrafik|talk]]) 13:14, 9 May 2025 (UTC)
* [[User:Warm Wooly|Warm_Wooly]] ([[User talk:Warm Wooly|talk]]) 11:46, 10 May 2025 (UTC)
* --[[User:HMT|HMT]] ([[User talk:HMT|talk]]) 17:18, 12 May 2025 (UTC)
* --[[User:Darthjaffacake|Darthjaffacake]] ([[User talk:Darthjaffacake|talk]]) 23:01, 19 May 2025 (UTC)
* --[[User:Eclipse1408|Eclipse1408]] ([[User talk:Eclipse1408|talk]])
== See also ==
* [[Wikiciv:Milestones]]
* [[Wikiciv:Resources]]

[[Category:Wikiciv administration]]
Sheetal Khan
* --[[User:Sheetal Khan|Sheetal Khan]] ([[User talk:Sheetal Khan|talk]]) 15:42, 15 May 2025 (UTC)

Methane gas

2025-05-22T21:40:10Z

Eclipse1408: made this page to a redirect

#REDIRECT [[Methane]]

== Description ==
Methane gas (CH4) is a highly flammable gas produced by a variety of beings and plants. The gas is naturally occurring as a colorless, and odorless gas. Methane gas is also a potent [https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases greenhouse gas]. Methane gas can be produced through natural processes such as decomposition and termites.

== Production ==
Methane gas can be attained through controlled decomposition by mixing plant matter and various animals' excrement such as cow or pig. The production of methane gas continues as long as the plant matter and fresh excrement is added

== Use ==
Can be used for domestic or industrial purposes due to its relative ease of attainment
Note: The article "[[Methane]]" already exists. Please merge this article with that.

Thermite

2025-05-22T21:37:29Z

Eclipse1408: i wrote the whole damn page

'''Thermite''' is a pyrotechnnic composition of [[metal]] powder and metal oxide. When ignited by [[heat]] or a chemical reaction, thermite will under go a reduction-oxidation process in which it produces heat. There are many forms of thermite, and most are not [[Explosion|explosive]], though nearly all create bursts of high temperature. Generally, thermite burns at around 2,200 °C, or 3,990 °F.

There are many kinds of thermites. Fuels include [[aluminum]], [[magnesium]], [[titanium]], [[zinc]], [[silicon]], and [[boron]], in which the most common is alumium because of its high boiling point and low cost. Oxidizers include bismuth(III) oxide, [[boron]](III) oxide, [[silicon]](IV) oxide, chromium(III) oxide, [[manganese]](IV) oxide, [[iron]](III) oxide, iron(II,III) oxide, [[copper]](II) oxide, and [[lead]](II,IV) oxide. Most forms of rust can be considered iron(III) oxide, which is why it is also common in making thermite.

The thermite reaction was discovered in 1893 by the German chemist Hans Goldschmidt, who obtained a patent for his process. Nowadays, thermite is often found in thermite welding, such as when welding railroad tracks. Thermite is also used in metal refining, disabling munitions, and in [[Explosives|incendiary weapons]].

== Dependencies ==

* Aluminum, magnesium, titanium, zinc, silicon, and boron, in which the most common is alumium because of its high boiling point and low cost.
* [[Magnesium]] or a Sparkler
* [[Water]]
** Bismuth(III) oxide, boron(III) oxide, silicon(IV) oxide, chromium(III) oxide, manganese(IV) oxide, iron(III) oxide, iron(II,III) oxide, copper(II) oxide, or lead(II,IV) oxide.

== Production Method ==
Thermite is highly flammable and will produce temperatures high enough to melt metal. Do not attempt making this in vicinity of at least four meters (13.1 feet) of anything flammable or metals with low melting points, such as [[lead]], [[tin]], cadmium, or [[zinc]]'''; it will ignite.'''

=== Precautions ===
Alway use a [[ceramic]] container to hold the thermite. [[Plastic]] will burn and produce toxic fumes, and metal will likely melt and be unable to hold the thermite. Ensure that the container has a high melting point of at least 2,200 °C, or 3,990 °F.

There is no guarantee that the container will not break from the heat. Stand back when you ignite the thermite in case the container does actually break.

* Welding masks or glasses are recommended. The former is better, as it will protect your face from the potential UV radiation emitted while it burns. If you don't have either of those things, a pair of the darkest sunglasses you can find, preferrably with full UV protection, is also good. '''Do not look at the flames without a welding mask or glasses.'''
* Heatproof gloves and fireproof aprons are also recommended. The apron should cover your whole body.
* Keep your safety gear on at all times.
* Wear closed-toe shoes and pants and clothes that will cover any exposed skin. This is important because '''burning clothes are extremely hard to remove and will cause servere burns, in which case you will probably die.'''

=== Ingredients ===
Find a [[ceramic]] container. Two or more is better.

Get a propane torch or stick lighter.

Get some powdered iron oxide (rust), aluminum powder, and a strip of [[magnesium]]. The rust needs to be finely powdered to react with the alumium. The magnesium should be thin to easily burn and should be at least 6.5cm (2 inches) long. A longer strip will allow more time to step back. If magnesium is unavaliable, you can find sparklers and they may also work. Replace the iron oxide with copper oxide for an explosion. The alumium powder should not be oxidized.

The iron oxide and alumium powder should be in a weight ratio of 3 grams of iron oxide to 1 gram of alumium powder.

Grinding up the metals manually is somewhat dangerous. Already powered materials are preferred. Alumium powder can be found in paint stores or an Etch-a-Sketch.

=== Preparation ===
Dry out the iron oxide in an oven or over a Bunsen burner. Set the oven to around 93 °C or 200 °F for 1 hour. If you're using a bunsen burner, place the iron oxide on an evaporating dish over the flame for 1 hour. Remember to shut off the gas supply after the iron oxide has finished drying.

Allow the iron oxide to completely cool.

Mix the iron oxide and alumium powder together in a non-metal container, such as on a sheet of paper. Generally, the 3:1 ratio is a good rule of thumb to go by when making high amounts of thermite. Remember to never mix them in a metal container to prevent contamination of thermite.

Pour the resulting mixture in the ceramic container in the aforementioned. If you have a second ceramic container, put the one with the mixture into the second container. '''Do not use ice to control temperature. It will likely explode.'''

=== Using ===
'''Once the thermite reaction has started, the only way to stop it is with a high-pressure water jet from far away or extremely compressed air, and that may not even work. This is because the reaction produces its own oxygen, and therefore it will burn as long as the two powders are still there. If you are unsure if you want to continue, stop now.'''

Insert the magnesium strip or sparkler into the mixture. Light the magnesium strip with a propane [[torch]] or stick lighter. '''Do not use matches, as some of the phosphorous will drop into the thermite and it will burn at your face.'''

Wait for the reaction to end.