Why Does Wood Pop When Put On A Fire?
Nothing is more relaxing than the soothing sounds of a crackling wood fire. But why does the wood pop? We have the answer here!
Did you ever wonder why wood “pops” when you’ve got a fire burning?
All wood contains little pockets of pitch, sap, and other flammables. As the wood heats up, the warmth penetrates deep into these pockets.
The sap/pitch liquifies, then vaporizes as the temperature increases. Gases expand rapidly when heated. As they expand, they put tremendous pressure on the walls of the pockets. Finally, the walls can’t take the pressure anymore and burst. At that time, the “popping” sound is audible.
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- Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
- Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
- Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
- Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
The same reason that “pop-corn” pops, lol. Moisture/liquid.
I also can enjoy a real fireplace, Happy in Tavares,Florida.
I love living in an old home with a wood burning fireplace listening to this popping wood sound. All the new homes here in Vegas have gas fire places with fake logs. Thank goodness ours is real.with no gas. Great burning wood started with kindling.and a match.