Been thinking about different atmosphere’s for sci-fi planets and the like, and I know that (allegedly) if there was 5% more oxygen on earth, then bugs and insects would grow to be much, much larger. Apparently the higher oxygen concentration in the early years of our planet is why there was so much megafauna (smth about cyanobacteria?), but how would that affect the way things burn? Since oxygen is incredibly flammable, I would assume that more oxygen = bigger flame, but usually that’s pure oxygen.
tl;dr
How does oxygen concentration affect the way things burn?
In: Chemistry
Oxygen isn’t flammable.
Combustion requires fuel, energy for ignition, and an oxidiser.
For combustion, the fuel must be oxidised. That means it needs to give some of its electrons to something. Oxygen is a great oxidiser because it’s really good at *receiving* electrons. The oxygen itself does not combust – it allows the fuel to combust.
So generally speaking, as long as you have fuel, more oxygen will result in readier combustion.
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