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Combustion — দহন

Quick answer

Combustion is a fast reaction of a fuel with oxygen that releases heat and light — burning, in one word.

Definition

Combustion is a rapid reaction between a fuel and oxygen that gives out heat and light. When the fuel is a hydrocarbon — gas, petrol, kerosene, candle wax — complete combustion with plenty of air yields carbon dioxide and water vapour. With a poor oxygen supply the burn is incomplete: poisonous carbon monoxide and sooty smoke appear, which is why a smoking kerosene stove needs more air, not less. Combustion runs engines, power stations and every kitchen burner in Bangladesh.

For example

A gas stove burns methane: CH4\mathrm{CH_{4}} + 2 O2\mathrm{2\,O_{2}} → CO2\mathrm{CO_{2}} + 2 H2O\mathrm{2\,H_{2}O}, a clean blue flame; if the flame turns orange and smoky, it is begging for more oxygen.

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