[icemann]

Use the factors you learned about collision theory to explain the following:

Campfires are started with matches that are used to light loosely packed kindling (small pieces of very dry wood).  (Hint: this example contains three factor)

I am stuck on this question.  I can only think of the fact that small pieces of wood would have a higher surface area which would increase the number of collisions during the combustion reaction.  So I guess this is one factor.

Another factor I would assume is that the very dry wood would burn better than wet wood.  But I don't know how to explain this in terms of collision theory.  Is it possible that the moisture in 'wet' wood keeps the temperature down reducing the number of collisions and the percentage of effective collisions?

[RandoFlyer]

I would think the fact that they are loosely packed together would be a factor as well, to increase surface area.

The wood being dry might have something to do with tree sap rather than water.

[opti384]

How about thinking about the factors that affect the collision first? And then you could try to figure out which factors matter in the case. I also agree that the woods being wet might do something with the temperature.