What is combustion?

 

What is a combustion reaction?
Burning means the same thing as combustion. When something burns, it reacts with oxygen and heat is needed to start the reaction.
The fire triangle shows the three things that are needed for burning - oxygen, heat and a fuel. If any of these things are taken away from a fire, the fire will stop.
Burning fuels releases useful heat energy. We use burning fuels to warm our homes, to make most cars move, and to produce a lot of our electricity.

The fire triangle

 

Oxidation reactions

When a substance reacts with oxygen, it is called an oxidation reaction. This makes oxides, which are compounds that have oxygen and another element. Burning is a type of oxidation reaction.

Some fuels have carbon and hydrogen in them. When they burn, they make oxides, water and carbon dioxide. Water is H2O, which means two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Carbon dioxide is CO2, which means one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. Carbon dioxide is a gas that makes the Earth warmer.

 

🔥 Knowledge Check: Combustion

Test your knowledge of burning, fossil fuels, and the fire triangle based on the guide.

1. Which gas must be present for a fuel to burn?

• Nitrogen
• Carbon Dioxide
• Oxygen

2. What are the three components of the 'Fire Triangle'?

• Fuel, Oxygen, and Heat
• Carbon, Hydrogen, and Energy
• Water, Carbon Dioxide, and Fuel

3. When hydrocarbons burn in plenty of oxygen, which two products are formed?

• Carbon monoxide and soot
• Carbon dioxide and water vapour
• Oxygen and energy

4. Why is combustion referred to as an 'oxidation' reaction?

• Because it removes oxygen from the air.
• Because the fuel reacts with and gains oxygen.
• Because it turns water into oxygen.

5. What is the main purpose of burning fossil fuels in our daily lives?

• To release stored energy for heating and transport.
• To create more oxygen for the atmosphere.
• To cool down the surroundings.

Click to Reveal Answers

1. Oxygen (Fuel reacts with oxygen to release energy).
2. Fuel, Oxygen, and Heat (The three essential factors for fire).
3. Carbon dioxide and water vapour (The products of hydrocarbon combustion).
4. The fuel reacts with and gains oxygen (Defining an oxidation reaction).
5. To release stored energy (Used to power vehicles and heat buildings).

 

Summary:

 

• Burning is also called combustion.
• When something burns, it reacts with oxygen and releases energy.