Why solid iron doesn\'t burn but iron fillings burn vigorously on sprinkling onto the burner?

Why solid iron doesn\'t burn but iron fillings burn vigorously on spri

1.	Why solid iron doesn\'t burn but iron fillings burn vigorously on sprinkling onto the burner?
Answer» Solid iron doesn\'t burn but iron fillings burn vigorously on sprinkling onto the burner because the air gets to it.. Iron has a strong molecular force of attraction. Hence when heated it doesn\'t reach to its ignition temperature and doesn\'t burn. But iron fillings when sprinkled in flames attain the ignition temperature ( as iron fillings are comparatively smaller particles) and gain larger surface area for the reaction. Therefore they burn vigorously............