Eli5 how come blowing on a flame sometimes puts it out and sometimes makes it stronger?

Question

Eli5 how come blowing on a flame sometimes puts it out and sometimes makes it stronger?

In: Physics

Answer 1

Fire needs 3 things: fuel, heat, and oxygen. By blowing on a flame, you are increasing the airflow, thereby adding oxygen and removing any gasses created in the fire (like CO2 and water). But, if you blow too hard, you can remove the heat to a point where the fuel cannot burn any more.