Combustion and Flame

Combustion and Flame

1.  What is combustion?

Combustion is a chemical process in which a substance reacts with oxygen to give energy in the form of heat and light.

2.  Give some examples of combustion.

• Magnesium ribbon starts burning when it is heated
  Mg + O₂  -----> MgO + Heat + Light

• Burning of charcoal or wood on heating

3.  What is a combustible substance?

The substance that undergoes combustion, is called a combustible substance. For example, paper, wood, etc.

4.  What is a non-combustible substance?

The substance that does not undergoes combustion, is called a non-combustible substance. For example, water, iron rod, etc.

5.  What are the conditions necessary for combustion?

Conditions necessary for combustion are:

1. Presence of a combustible substance
2. Presence of a support of combustion
3. Heating the combustible substance to its ignition temperature

6.  What is ignition temperature?

The lowest temperature at which a substance catches fire and starts burning, is called its ignition temperature.