What is Combustion?
A chemical process in which a substance reacts with oxygen to give off heat is called Combustion. For example, burning of a wax candle or burning of wood.
There is a difference in how each of these substances burns.
When a candle is lit, it burns with a flame. On the other hand, when the wood is burnt, it does not give any flame. It just burns completely liberating lots of energy in the form of heat and light. This is the combustion of wood.
What is a Combustible substance?
The substance that burns in the combustion process is called a Combustible substance. It is also referred to as fuel as it gives energy.
What is Ignition temperature?
The minimum temperature required by the substance to catch fire is defined as the Ignition temperature.
The oxygen present in the air is necessary for the process of burning to continue.
However, any combustible substance kept in the open will not start burning. The process begins only when a specific temperature is achieved. The ignition temperature varies from substance to substance. For example, kerosene, cooking oil, and a wooden log, if heated at the same time will start burning at different times because their ignition temperatures are different.
What is an Inflammable substance?
A substance with a low ignition temperature is defined as an Inflammable substance. They catch fire quickly.
For example, petroleum, oil, and kerosene.
Summary
| Combustion | A chemical process in which a substance reacts with oxygen to give off heat |
| Combustible Substance | The substance that burns in the combustion process |
| Ignition Temperature | The minimum temperature required by the substance to catch fire |
| Inflammable Substance | A substance that has a low ignition temperature |
Did you know?
Though oxygen makes other things ignite at a lower temperature, and burn hotter and faster, oxygen itself does not catch fire.