Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Oil combustion refers to the process of burning oil as a fuel source, releasing energy and producing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants in the process.
CO2 is a greenhouse gas released during the combustion of fossil fuels like oil. It contributes to climate change by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere.