Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles.
One app.

Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles. One news app.

The Guardian - UK

Why does burnt toast set off my fire alarm but the wood burning stove doesn't?

Getting dangerously close? Photograph: Nick Ansell/PA — Is the toaster more dangerous than the stove? Photograph: Nick Ansell/PA Photograph: Nick Ansell/PA

Why does burnt toast set off the standard, battery-powered smoke alarm on my ceiling instantly whereas my wood burning stove an equal distance away needs more time and more smoke to trigger the alarm? Smoke from the toaster is invisible but wood smoke is highly visible, so why the counterintuitive response from the smoke alarm?

John Gorrill, Cumbria

Post your answers – and new questions – below or email them to nq@theguardian.com

Sign up to read this article

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here

Top stories on inkl right now

Independent autism committee that challenges RFK Jr’s overhaul draws criticism

Independent autism committee that challenges RFK Jr’s overhaul draws criticism

Kennedy’s appointees promoted ‘treatments’ like bleach enemas, but new committee has only one autistic member

The Guardian - US

Woman has sentence quashed by Tanzania court after over a decade on death row

Woman has sentence quashed by Tanzania court after over a decade on death row

Lemi Limbu, who has severe intellectual disabilities, remains in prison and will now face retrial for the murder of her daughter

The Guardian - UK

Trump administration is deporting parents without their children in violation of its own policies, report finds

Trump administration is deporting parents without their children in violation of its own policies, report finds

Dozens said they weren’t given chance to arrange care for their kids after being deported at short notice, study shows

The Guardian - US

Texas jails aren’t meeting deadlines to free inmates, costing some counties thousands in settlements

Texas jails aren’t meeting deadlines to free inmates, costing some counties thousands in settlements

The state does not track the prevalence or provide guidance on the issue, leaving inmates to languish in jail and eventually sue counties for damages.

The Texas Tribune

One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites

Already a member? Sign in here

The Trump Administration’s proposed capital gains tax cut could add nearly $1 trillion to the national debt within the decade, think tank warns

The Trump Administration’s proposed capital gains tax cut could add nearly $1 trillion to the national debt within the decade, think tank warns

“We need more revenue, not less,” Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget president Maya MacGuineas said.

César Chavez Day celebrations disrupted across US amid sexual abuse allegations

César Chavez Day celebrations disrupted across US amid sexual abuse allegations

Labor rights activist Dolores Huerta recently disclosed she was among those who claim to have been abused by Chavez

The Independent UK

Related Stories

Top stories on inkl right now

Independent autism committee that challenges RFK Jr’s overhaul draws criticism

Independent autism committee that challenges RFK Jr’s overhaul draws criticism

Kennedy’s appointees promoted ‘treatments’ like bleach enemas, but new committee has only one autistic member

The Guardian - US

Woman has sentence quashed by Tanzania court after over a decade on death row

Woman has sentence quashed by Tanzania court after over a decade on death row

Lemi Limbu, who has severe intellectual disabilities, remains in prison and will now face retrial for the murder of her daughter

The Guardian - UK

Trump administration is deporting parents without their children in violation of its own policies, report finds

Trump administration is deporting parents without their children in violation of its own policies, report finds

Dozens said they weren’t given chance to arrange care for their kids after being deported at short notice, study shows

The Guardian - US

Texas jails aren’t meeting deadlines to free inmates, costing some counties thousands in settlements

Texas jails aren’t meeting deadlines to free inmates, costing some counties thousands in settlements

The state does not track the prevalence or provide guidance on the issue, leaving inmates to languish in jail and eventually sue counties for damages.

The Texas Tribune

One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites

Already a member? Sign in here

The Trump Administration’s proposed capital gains tax cut could add nearly $1 trillion to the national debt within the decade, think tank warns

The Trump Administration’s proposed capital gains tax cut could add nearly $1 trillion to the national debt within the decade, think tank warns

“We need more revenue, not less,” Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget president Maya MacGuineas said.

César Chavez Day celebrations disrupted across US amid sexual abuse allegations

César Chavez Day celebrations disrupted across US amid sexual abuse allegations

Labor rights activist Dolores Huerta recently disclosed she was among those who claim to have been abused by Chavez

The Independent UK

Our Picks

Elijah Wood finally reading Lord of the rings

Elijah Wood has finally started reading the Lord of the Rings books - 27 years after he started working on the spin-off movies.

Your Steak Isn't Killing the Planet

Some climate activists want a meat-free future. The science says otherwise.

‘Haters gonna hate’: Netflix hits back at claims they’re simplifying plots for second-screen viewing

Streaming service execs have finally commented on infamous rumours

The Independent UK

Doja Cat: I have to defend my creative choices

Doja Cat has explained why she engages with trolls on social media.

HSTikkyTokky Demands Public Apology from Piers Morgan Within 24 Hours After Finding Wife's 'Shocking Posts'

Influencer HSTikkyTokky demands a public apology from Piers Morgan after a heated interview on 'Piers Morgan Uncensored', involving controversial Instagram posts.

International Business Times UK

Ellen DeGeneres Accused in Bizarre 'Chess Prodigy' Story—The Truth Behind the Viral Horror Claim

A viral story alleging a young chess prodigy witnessed disturbing behavior backstage at The Ellen DeGeneres Show is spreading online, despite lacking verifiable evidence.

International Business Times UK

Fourteen days free

Download the app

One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.

Download on the AppStore

Get it on Google Play