Combustion: What is a Combustion Reaction

What is a Combustion Reaction? A combustion reaction is a reaction of a substance with oxygen gas to release relatively large amounts of energy . Because combustion reactions are often characterized by the presence of flames, a substance undergoing combustion is often said to be burning. Discover how combustion and flames work, their types, uses, and safety tips. Master chemistry basics with Vedantu-Start learning now! Combustion is a chemical process that involves the rapid reaction of a substance with oxygen, releasing heat and light . The substance that reacts is called the fuel, and the source of oxygen is called the oxidizer. The fuel can be a solid, liquid, or gas, but it is usually a liquid or gas. In simple words, combustion is the process of burning a fuel in the presence of oxygen to release heat energy . This process is commonly used in cars, airplanes, power plants, industrial furnaces, and household cooking or heating devices.