Science Common Sense

173 - What is combustion?

Combustion is a chemical reaction that happens when something (like gasoline, wood, or paper) is burned. When this reaction occurs, it releases heat, light, and energy. Combustion usually requires three things:

  1. Fuel (like wood)
  2. Oxygen (from the air)
  3. Heat (to start the reaction)

For example, when you light a match, the fuel is the wood or paper of the match, the oxygen comes from the air, and the heat comes from the flame.

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