Definition Of Types Of Combustion

Definition Of Types Of Combustion

There are basically three different types of combustion

More About Types of combustion

  • Spontaneous combustion: --- The combustion in which substances suddenly burst into flames, without the application of any apparent cause is called spontaneous combustion. For example, sodium and phosphorus burn spontaneously in air at room temperature, even when no external heat is provided to them. Due to the slow oxidation of white phosphorous, heat is produced during this process till the white phosphorous reaches its ignition temperature. It is directly surrounded by enough oxygen, hence will start burning
  • Rapid combustion: -- The combustion in which substances burn rapidly to produce heat and light is called rapid combustion. In rapid combustion, external heat must be supplied so that the substances can burn. For example, when a burning matchstick is brought near a gas stove (with its knob turned on), LPG burns rapidly to produce heat and light. Similarly a candle will start burning when a burning match stick is brought near its wick. This type of combustion carries on as long as fuel is available
  • Explosion: --- The combustion in which sudden reactions take place on ignition of some substances to produce heat, light, and sound is called explosion. For example, fireworks on ignition produce heat, light, and sound. Other substances such as dynamite also explode when ignited to produce huge amounts of energy. Dynamite is used to explode mountains to build roads, train tracks, and tunnels in hilly areas. Large amount of gas is produced in the reaction. Explosion can also take place if pressure is applied on the cracker. The explosive powder used in fire crackers is a mixture of carbon, sulphur and potassium nitrate
  • Another type of combustion is slow combustion
  • Slow combustion: --- formation of rust on an iron rod when iron gradually combines with oxygen is an example of slow combustion. During respiration, food reacts with oxygen in the large number of cells in our body, releasing energy to sustain life processes