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2. Combustion of Charcoal
Charcoal is a form of carbon. So when charcoal is burnt in air, it combines with oxygen to
form carbon dioxide gas.

Carbon + Oxygen Carbon dioxide + Heat + Light
_____ + ____ ______
*The chemical equation is to be written by the children.

In both the examples of combustion given above, we find that oxygen is necessary for
combustion. Oxygen supports substances or fuels to burn.

*Respiration is a kind of slow combustion, as during respiration the digested food is broken
down in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and heat energy.
Rusting of iron is an example of slow combustion.
In the sun, heat and light are produced due to nuclear reactions. You will study in detail in the
higher class.

Fuel
The substance which burns to produce heat and light is called fuel.

Combustible substances
Those substances which can burn are called combustible substances. In other words, those
substances which can undergo combustion are called combustible substances.
Examples of few combustible substances are:
Cloth, LPG, CNG, Kerosene oil, Wood, Charcoal, Alcohol, Match stick, Magnesium ribbon,
etc.
A combustible substance is also called fuel.

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