Combustion

Summary: Rapid oxidation reaction releasing heat and light. Tags: concepts chemistry Created: 2026-04-23T00:00:00Z Last Updated: 2026-04-23T00:00:00Z


Content

Combustion is a rapid chemical reaction where a substance reacts with oxygen, releasing heat and light. It often produces flames and is used to generate energy.

Fuels are materials that undergo combustion. Types include fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) and renewables (wood, biofuels).

Complete combustion: fuel + O2 → CO2 + H2O + heat

Incomplete combustion: fuel + O2 → CO + C + heat (soot)