Complete Concepts on Combustion, Fuels and Flame

 The necessity of oxygen for burning is rooted in the process of combustion, which is a chemical reaction between a fuel and oxygen. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Combustion Reaction: Burning, or combustion, is a rapid chemical reaction between a substance (usually a fuel) and oxygen. The general formula for combustion is: $\text{Fuel}+\text{Oxygen}\to \text{Products}+\text{Heat and Light}$

2. Role of Oxygen: Oxygen acts as an oxidizing agent in the combustion process. It combines with the fuel to release energy in the form of heat and light. This process is exothermic, meaning it releases energy.

3. Oxidation: Burning is essentially a type of oxidation reaction, where the fuel undergoes a reaction with oxygen. During this reaction, the chemical bonds in the fuel molecules break, and new bonds form with oxygen atoms, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide, water, and other products.

4. Sustaining the Reaction: Oxygen is crucial for sustaining the combustion reaction. Without a continuous supply of oxygen, the combustion process cannot proceed. This is why a fire will extinguish in the absence of oxygen, as the oxidizing agent necessary for the reaction is no longer available.

5. Incomplete Combustion: If there's insufficient oxygen during combustion, it can lead to incomplete combustion, producing byproducts like carbon monoxide and soot. Complete combustion, on the other hand, occurs when there is a sufficient and balanced supply of oxygen.

In summary, oxygen is essential for burning because it facilitates the chemical reaction between a fuel and oxygen, releasing energy in the form of heat and light. The availability of oxygen determines the efficiency and completeness of the combustion process.