Why is combustion a chemical reaction

Combustion Reactions A combustion reaction is a reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen gas, releasing energy in the form of light and heat. Solution Step 1: Plan the problem. Step 2: Solve. Summary A combustion reaction is a reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen gas, releasing energy in the form of light and heat.

Examples of combustion reactions are given. Question d9d Is the protonolysis reaction of sulfuric acid in aqueous solution an example of chemical change? Question What are the chemical changes of smores? See all questions in Physical and Chemical Changes. Impact of this question views around the world. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance.

Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Share Flipboard Email. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph. Chemistry Expert. Helmenstine holds a Ph. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter. Updated January 09, When octane is burned, the products are CO 2 and H 2 O.

The key ingredient to the process is the availability of oxygen. Combustion cannot take place in an atmosphere devoid of oxygen. The answer to this question is the need to overcome the activation energy of the reaction, which means that it requires energy at first to "jump start" the process. In your car, the distributor and battery provide this starting energy by creating an electrical "spark".