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Chapter 5: Problem 32

Wood's metal is an alloy of the elements bismuth, lead, tin, and cadmium that has a melting point of \(70^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). Describe how it might be used in an automatic sprinkler system for fire suppression.

Short Answer

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Question: Explain the significance of Wood's metal and its low melting point in an automatic sprinkler system for fire suppression. Answer: The low melting point of Wood's metal (70°C) makes it ideal for use as a heat-sensitive component in an automatic sprinkler system. When a fire raises a room temperature above this threshold, Wood's metal component melts, releasing a plug and activating the sprinkler system. This quick response helps extinguish or contain a fire before it spreads, minimizing damage to property and injury to people.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Wood's Metal and Its Melting Point

Wood's metal is an alloy composed of bismuth, lead, tin, and cadmium. It has a low melting point of 70°C (158°F), making it a useful material in various applications. This low melting point is the key factor in the fire suppression system.
02

Principle of Automatic Sprinkler System

An automatic sprinkler system is designed to suppress fires by releasing water or other fire-extinguishing agents at high pressure. This system is typically triggered by a significant increase in temperature or heat generated from a fire. The components of the sprinkler system are heat-sensitive, and the release of water or extinguishant relies on these components' thermal properties.
03

Wood's Metal in a Sprinkler System

In an automatic sprinkler system, there is a heat-sensitive component designed to be activated when the temperature exceeds a specific threshold (usually the melting point of the material). One such component can be Wood's metal, whose melting point is 70°C. If the room temperature rises above this threshold due to a fire, the Wood's metal component will melt, activating the sprinkler system.
04

Activation of the Sprinkler System

When Wood's metal melts, it causes a plug to be released from the sprinkler head. This plug is initially held in place by the solid Wood's metal. When the metal melts, the plug is released, allowing the highly-pressurized water or other fire-extinguishing agents to flow through the sprinkler head and disperse over the affected area.
05

Benefits of Using Wood's Metal

The low melting point of Wood's metal allows for the faster activation of the sprinkler system due to its sensitivity to relatively low heat. This quick response can help in extinguishing or containing a fire before it spreads, minimizing damage to property and injury to people. In conclusion, Wood's metal can be used as a heat-sensitive component in an automatic sprinkler system due to its low melting point. When a fire causes the room temperature to rise above 70°C, the Wood's metal melts, releasing the plug and activating the sprinkler system. This efficient suppression method is ideal for containing fires and protecting life and property.

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