Combustion

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/combustion

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific classification?Exothermic redox chemical reaction
2. What is the primary reactants?Fuel (reductant) and oxidant (typically atmospheric oxygen)
3. Why does fire need a match or spark to start?Combustion needs an initial activation energy, such as a match, to get the reaction going; once it starts, the heat keeps it going.
4. How does wood burn in a fireplace?When wood heats up, it first breaks down into gases (pyrolysis); those gases then burn, giving the heat that lets more wood break down.

Endothermic Pyrolysis: A process where heat breaks down solid fuels into gaseous components.
Stoichiometric Combustion: Ideal combustion where fuel and oxidant are in perfect proportions for complete reaction.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Gases formed from nitrogen and oxygen at high combustion temperatures.