Examples of combustion

Surely you’ve noticed how waste burn garbage or have seen a fire. You have also seen how they are ignited through a flammable liquid by a spark from another ignition element that produces the fire.

The combustion is a reaction chemistry that occurs between oxygen and an oxidizable material. The matter follows energy and is manifested by incandescence or fire.

As a chemical reaction (it produces heat or requires energy ), combustion develops in the three states of aggregation in a heterogeneous way, that is, between solid-liquid or solid-gas . These combustions can be controlled or cause explosions .

Hence, there are two characteristics of combustion: exothermic and endothermic . Exothermic combustions are characterized by the chemical reaction that produces heat or light. Endothermic combustions require energy to react.

Types of combustion

There are considered to be three types of combustion. These are:

- Complete or perfect combustions . Chemical reaction in which the combustible material is completely consumed (oxidized). Here another type of chemical material is produced such as carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide and water.

Stoichiometric or neutral combustions . This takes place when the exact amount of oxygen and combustible material is used so that it reaches the greatest amount of heat.
Incomplete combustions . These take place when all the components of combustion are not consumed (oxidized). This reaction usually occurs due to lack of oxidizer (generally lack of oxygen). This type of combustion leaves polluting residues.
Instant combustion . They are those that react explosively. This type of combustion is instantaneous.