A combustion reaction is an exothermic chemical process where fuel reacts with an oxidant (usually oxygen) producing heat and often light; typically resulting in fire.
Imagine lighting up your barbecue grill. The charcoal (fuel) reacts with oxygen in the air (oxidant), creating flames and heat - this is your real-life example of a combustion reaction!
Exothermic Reaction: This refers to any chemical reaction that releases energy by light or heat.
Oxidation-Reduction Reaction (Redox): This is another name for combustion reactions because they involve transfer of electrons from one substance to another.
Fuel: In chemistry terms, this refers to any material that can be made to react so that it releases energy as heat or work.
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