A combustion reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which a substance reacts quickly with oxygen and releases energy in the form of heat and often light. Most combustion reactions involve a fuel, such as wood, coal, natural gas, or gasoline, and oxygen from the air.
The main products of combustion are usually carbon dioxide and water if the fuel contains carbon and hydrogen. Because combustion releases a lot of energy, it is widely used for heating, generating electricity, running engines, and cooking.
There are two types of combustion: complete and incomplete. In complete combustion, there is enough oxygen for the fuel to burn fully, producing carbon dioxide and water. In incomplete combustion, when oxygen is limited, harmful substances like carbon monoxide or soot may form.