Chemistry / Unit 3 Chem 0462 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Combustion Reactions
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The idea
Combustion is a vigorous redox reaction between a fuel and an oxidant, usually oxygen, releasing heat and light.
In practice
Ethylene's combustion oxidizes carbon from −2 to +4 as oxygen drops from 0 to −2, forming CO2 and H2O.
Where people slip
Combustion names a broad redox pattern, not one fuel or oxidant — it fits a candle in air and a rocket burning aluminum in perchlorate.
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