What are the Types of Combustion

What are the Types of Combustion

Combustion

The process of burning of a substance in the presence of air or oxygen with the liberation of heat and light is called combustion. Substances can be classified as combustible or non-combustible, depending on whether or not they can be burnt.

Substances that burn in air or oxygen to produce heat and light are called combustible substances. Paper, wood, kerosene, and LPG are examples of combustible substances.

Substances that do not burn in air or oxygen to produce heat and light are called non-combustible substances. Water, sand, glass, and cement are examples of non-combustible substances.

Types of Combustion

Combustion can be divided into three types:

1. Rapid combustion
2. Explosion, and
3. Spontaneous combustion.

1. Rapid combustion: In this type of combustion, large amount of heat and light are released in a very short span of time. Combustion of LPG, which produces heat and light instantly, is an example of rapid combustion.

2. Explosion: This type of combustion is characterized by sudden release of heat, light, and sound accompanied by the liberation of a large amount of gas. Bursting of firecrackers is an example of an explosion. An explosion can also occur upon the application of pressure.

3. Spontaneous combustion: In this type of combustion, substances catch fire on their own, without the application of heat. For example, white phosphorous.
Combustion of hydrocarbons (compounds of hydrogen and carbon, e.g., LPG, petrol, and natural gas) can be divided into two types: complete combustion and incomplete combustion.

• Complete combustion: This type of combustion takes place in adequate amount of air or oxygen. It results in the formation of carbon dioxide, water, heat, and light.
• Incomplete combustion: This type of combustion takes place in inadequate amount of air or oxygen. It results in the formation of carbon monoxide, soot, water, heat, and light.