Science glossary film: Combustion

Or burning, a chemical reaction that requires an initial source of heat, a fuel, and an oxidizing agent such as oxygen, and releases energy as heat and often light. Most of the energy we use every day, to heat our homes, fuel cars, or for cooking, is released through combustion, so understanding the process and maximizing its efficiency is an important area of study.

Most of the energy we use every day, to heat our homes, fuel cars, or for cooking, is released through combustion, so understanding the process and maximizing its efficiency is an important area of study.