Question

Which of the following example(s) represents rapid combustion? (the question has multiple correct options)
A. Burning of matchsticks
B. Burning of cooking gas
C. Phosphorus burns in air at room temperature
D. Ignition of a cracker

Answer 1

Hint: As the name suggests, rapid combustion is the type of combustion in which large amounts of heat and light energy is released. Rapid combustion often results in fire.

Complete step by step answer:
The combustion in which a substance burns quickly and produces heat and flame is called rapid combustion. Substances which undergo rapid combustion have a lower ignition temperature.
There are three most important types of combustion – rapid, spontaneous and explosive
Rapid combustion can also be defined as, “The process in which a substance combines chemically with oxygen at a temperature above its ignition temperature with large evolution of heat and light in a short time”.
Looking at the options given in the question, we can say the following about each –
Phosphorus burns in air at room temperature; therefore, we can say that it represents spontaneous combustion.
Ignition of a cracker is an explosive combustion.
Burning of matchsticks and burning of cooking gas represents rapid combustion.
Therefore, the answer of the given question is – option (a) and option (c).

Note: Burning of L.P.G. in gas stove is also an example of rapid combustion. In short, you can also remember rapid combustion as - "when combustion occurs rapidly " because of the availability of atmospheric oxygen.