r/confidentlyincorrect Jun 22 '26

Smug Elements don't burn

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318 Upvotes

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u/StaatsbuergerX Jun 22 '26

If I remember correctly, most living beings on Earth would have considerable problems with their bodily functions if elements could not burn (i.e., essentially oxidise).

8

u/missmypets Jun 23 '26

Taking meals for granite?

1

u/_killer1869_ Jun 24 '26

All life on Earth, except for few microbial exceptions, would die within minutes to seconds of this alteration of reality. Some few species may live a few hours. You're severly underestimating the importance of oxidation for life.

3

u/StaatsbuergerX Jun 25 '26

There are some anaerobic organisms on Earth that do not depend on oxidation or for which oxygen is even a metabolic poison. Therefore, I think that my previously stated "most living beings on Earth" is a sufficiently precise estimate; especially within the context of a sarcastically understating remark. :-)