What is Combustion?

this is not homework (please give me a good definition for 8th graders like me to understand)

BTW - I'm creating a study guide for the NYS Science Test I'm taking at the end of the year. We started taking notes in my science class that we can use to study for the exam. I want to add this to my notes.

Use process indicated in previous post.

Combustion is the process of burning, usually involving a chemical reaction with oxygen. It is a type of chemical reaction where a substance, like a fuel, quickly reacts with oxygen in the air, producing light, heat, and usually some kind of exhaust or waste product.

To understand combustion, you can follow these steps to observe and explain the process:

1. Identify the components: Combustion requires three main components - fuel, oxygen, and an ignition source. The fuel can be any material that is capable of burning, such as wood, gasoline, or natural gas. Oxygen is abundantly available in the air, and the ignition source can be a spark, flame, or heat.

2. Explain the chemical reaction: When the fuel and oxygen come into contact, they undergo a chemical reaction called oxidation or combustion. This reaction releases energy in the form of heat and light. The reactants (fuel and oxygen) combine to form new substances called products. For example, in the combustion of gasoline, the reactants are gasoline (fuel) and oxygen, and the products are carbon dioxide and water vapor.

3. Describe the process: Combustion is a rapid process that occurs when the fuel and oxygen combine in the presence of an ignition source. The ignition source provides the initial heat or spark to start the reaction. Once started, the reaction releases energy in the form of heat, which sustains the process and allows it to continue.

4. Discuss the importance of combustion: Combustion is essential for many everyday activities. It provides heat and light for cooking, heating homes, and generating electricity. It also powers vehicles, like cars and airplanes, by burning fuels. However, combustion also produces pollution in the form of exhaust gases and greenhouse gases, which contribute to environmental issues.

By following these steps, you can understand and explain the concept of combustion in a way that is suitable for an 8th-grade understanding and make it a useful addition to your study guide.