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Combustion

Revision as of 10:08, 31 August 2018 by NRJC (talk | contribs)

Key Stage 2

Meaning

Burning is a chemical reaction that happens when something catches fire.

About Burning

Materials can only burn if there is enough air.
Substances cannot burn underwater or in empty space.
Anything that burns is called a fuel.

Examples

Note to Teachers

Students often don't recognise the difference between heating and burning. When asked what happens to a substance when it is heated they will say 'burn' when melting would be a more appropriate response. Students also do not always recognise the necessity of oxygen (or at least air) when things burn.

Key Stage 3

When a chemical burns in the presence of oxygen.