Understanding Combustion

Combustion is a chemical process in which a substance reacts with oxygen to produce heat. This process can also produce light, which may be visible as a flame or a glow. Combustion can be demonstrated through simple experiments, such as burning magnesium ribbon or a piece of charcoal.

1.Magnesium Ribbon Burning: When magnesium burns, it reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide and releases heat and light.

2.Charcoal Burning: Similarly, charcoal, when held with a pair of tongs and brought near a flame, burns in air, producing carbon dioxide, heat, and light.

Key Definitions

1.Combustible Substance: A material that undergoes combustion. Examples include magnesium and charcoal.

2.Fuel: A substance that burns to produce heat or power. Fuels can be in solid, liquid, or gaseous forms.

3.Ignition Temperature: The lowest temperature at which a substance catches fire. This temperature varies for different substances.