Smoke

n. The mixture of particulates, gasses, and liquid droplets combined with air that is produced by the combustion of woody (or other carbon-based) fuel.

• Discussion

Smoke typically includes carbon particles, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water vapor, water droplets, some more complex hydrocarbons, and other volatile gasses.  The exact composition changes as the smoke ages and/or cools.  

• See Also

  • Combustion

  • Fuel

  • Particulates

   

• Notes

  • Author 

    Brian Potter, Research Meteorologist

    Pacific Northwest Research Station

     

  • Last update 

    August 2007