How deep does 2x4 wood typically char at 1400 degrees Fahrenheit?

The correct answer is based on the common understanding of the char rate of wood when exposed to high temperatures, specifically approximately 1 inch of charring every 45 minutes at a temperature of 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. This rate can vary based on the specific conditions of the fire, such as oxygen availability and type of wood, but 1 inch per 45 minutes is a widely accepted benchmark in fire investigations.

In fire investigations, understanding the char rate is crucial for determining the intensity and duration of exposure of materials to fire, which helps in establishing the fire's origin and potential causes. The rate of charring indicates how long the wood was subjected to the extreme heat, assisting investigators in reconstructing the timeline of events during a fire.

Considering the other options, while they may suggest different rates of charring, 1 inch per hour, for example, would imply a significantly longer duration and result in less char depth for the same exposure time, reducing the accuracy when deducing fire behavior. Similarly, the other rates proposed do not conform to the established understanding of how wood reacts in high heat conditions, emphasizing that the typical char rate at 1400 degrees Fahrenheit is indeed about 1 inch per 45 minutes.