failure or refusal to comply, as with a law, regulation, or term of a contract. Origin of noncompliance. 1680-1690. First recorded in 1680-90; non- + compliance.
The main cause of chemical burns is from contact with strong acids or bases. The strength of acids and bases is defined by the pH scale, which ranges from 1-14. A very strong acid has a pH of 1 and may cause a severe burn. A very strong base has a pH of 14 and may also cause a severe burn. A substance with a pH of 7 is considered neutral and does not burn. Chemical burns from acids or bases are also referred to as caustic burns.
Likewise, a chemical change is required to break down a compound into its constituent elements. Water can be broken down by passing a powerful electric current through it. This process, known as electrolysis, separates water into hydrogen and oxygen, both of which are highly flammable gases. The fact that they can be joined to form water, a substance used for putting out most kinds of fires, illustrates the types of changes elements undergo when they join to form compounds.