Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Combustion refers to a chemical reaction that occurs when a substance reacts with oxygen, resulting in the release of heat and light energy. It is typically associated with the rapid oxidation of a fuel.
Related terms
Fuel: A substance that undergoes combustion, providing energy when reacting with oxygen.