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GCSE Biology · key term
The burning of a substance in oxygen; complete combustion of carbon-containing fuels releases carbon dioxide.
Used by Edexcel and OCR
Specification 1.14B, 9.13 · Paper 1, Paper 2
A reaction in which a substance burns in oxygen and releases energy.
Revise: CalorimetryCombustion releases energy, and some of that energy is transferred by heating to the water. The water's temperature rises, so measuring that rise provides evidence about the energy released by the food.
Burning a substance, such as wood or a fossil fuel, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
In a carbon-cycle explanation, follow the carbon: carbon dioxide enters plants by photosynthesis, passes to animals by feeding, and returns to the atmosphere through respiration and combustion.
Keep the carbon transfers in the correct directions: photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, whereas respiration, decomposition and combustion release it.
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Specification B4.1c · Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 4 (Higher)
Revise: Carbon and water cyclesCombustion transfers this carbon back into the atmosphere: when a carbon-containing fuel burns completely in oxygen, carbon dioxide is produced.