How is combustion best defined?

Combustion is best defined as the rapid oxidation of fuel accompanied by the production of heat and light. This definition captures the essential characteristics of combustion processes, where a fuel reacts with an oxidizing agent, typically oxygen, leading to a release of energy in the form of heat and light. The term "rapid" is key here, as it distinguishes combustion from other types of oxidation reactions that occur more slowly, such as rusting.

In many practical scenarios, such as in fires or engines, combustive reactions happen quickly and generate significant amounts of energy, which can be used for heating, propulsion, or lighting. This aligns with common experiences and scientific principles relating to how flames are produced and how heat is generated during the burning of fuels.

The other definitions do not encompass the full spectrum of combustion as understood in fire science. For instance, the notion of a slow burning process of wood without flames misrepresents combustion, as it lacks the rapidity and spontaneous nature typically associated with it, while the transformation of energy into heat is too broad and not specific to the processes involving fuels and oxidizers. Similarly, the combustion of gases in an enclosed space does not include all forms of combustion, as it could also apply to solid or liquid fuels. Therefore