The Conversation

Curious Kids: why does wood crackle in a fire?

Author: Rachael Helene Nolan, Postdoctoral research fellow, Western Sydney University

If you've ever put wet wood on to a fire, you may have noticed it makes a lot more noise than dry wood. Shutterstock

Why does wood crackle in a fire? – Rocco, age 6 (nearly 7!)

Hi Rocco, that’s a great question. I love sitting in front of a fire, listening to it crackle and pop.

These noises are caused by pockets of trapped steam...

More...

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