What is the rapid chemical process by which a substance combines with oxygen to produce heat and light?

The rapid chemical process in which a substance combines with oxygen to produce heat and light is known as combustion. This process is characterized by the release of energy in the form of heat and light, which is commonly observed in fires. During combustion, a fuel reacts with oxygen, resulting in the formation of products such as carbon dioxide and water, alongside the energy release.

Understanding combustion is crucial for firefighters because it is the primary mechanism behind fires, influencing how they spread and how they can be extinguished. By differentiating combustion from other related processes, such as oxidation, which can occur more slowly and doesn't always produce heat and light rapidly, or sublimation, which involves a state change from solid to gas without passing through a liquid state, firefighters can better comprehend and manage fire dynamics. Flammability, while related, refers specifically to the ability of a substance to ignite and sustain combustion rather than describing the chemical process itself.