Science Notes for Chapter 4 Combustion and Flame Class 8 - FREE PDF Download
FAQs on Combustion and Flame Class 8 Science Chapter 4 CBSE Notes - 2025-26
1. What key topics are covered in the Class 8 Science Chapter 4 summary on Combustion and Flame?
The revision notes for this chapter focus on several core concepts. These include the definition of combustion, the essential conditions for burning (the fire triangle), different types of combustion like rapid and spontaneous, the structure of a flame, the characteristics of an ideal fuel, and the harmful environmental impacts of burning fuels, such as global warming and acid rain.
2. What are the three essential conditions required for any combustion to occur?
For any substance to burn, three conditions must be met simultaneously. These are:
- The presence of a combustible substance (fuel).
- A continuous supply of a supporter of combustion, which is typically oxygen (from the air).
- Attainment of the ignition temperature, which is the minimum temperature at which the fuel catches fire.
3. What is the main difference between combustion and a flame?
Combustion is the chemical process of a substance reacting with oxygen to produce heat and light. A flame is the visible, gaseous part of a fire. While many substances produce a flame when they combust (like an LPG stove), not all do. For example, coal can undergo combustion and glow red-hot, releasing heat and light without a distinct flame because it does not vaporise on burning.
4. How can you quickly summarise the differences between rapid combustion, spontaneous combustion, and explosion?
These three types of combustion are distinguished by their speed and trigger:
- Rapid Combustion: This happens very quickly with the production of heat and light, usually triggered by an external source like a matchstick (e.g., burning LPG).
- Spontaneous Combustion: This occurs when a substance bursts into flames on its own without any apparent external heat source (e.g., forest fires, phosphorus burning at room temperature).
- Explosion: This is a very fast combustion process where a large amount of gas is evolved in a short time, accompanied by the production of heat, light, and sound (e.g., bursting of firecrackers).
5. Why does a goldsmith use the outermost zone of a flame for melting gold and silver?
A goldsmith uses the outermost zone of a flame because it is the hottest part. This zone undergoes complete combustion due to a good supply of oxygen from the surroundings. This complete combustion results in a high temperature, which is necessary to achieve the high melting points of metals like gold and silver efficiently. The middle zone is less hot, and the innermost zone is the least hot.
6. What is meant by the 'calorific value' of a fuel, and why is it an important concept for revision?
The calorific value of a fuel is the amount of heat energy produced on complete combustion of 1 kilogram of that fuel. It is expressed in a unit called kilojoule per kilogram (kJ/kg). Understanding this concept is crucial for revision as it helps compare the efficiency of different fuels. A fuel with a higher calorific value is more efficient because it produces more heat for the same mass.
7. Is water always the best way to extinguish a fire? Explain with examples from the chapter.
No, water is not always the best extinguisher. While it is effective for fires involving solid materials like wood and paper, it can be dangerous in other situations. For instance, using water on a fire caused by electrical equipment can lead to electrocution. Similarly, throwing water on an oil fire is ineffective because oil is lighter than water and will float on top, continuing to burn. For such fires, extinguishers like carbon dioxide are used.
8. How does the burning of fuels contribute to global warming and acid rain?
The combustion of most fuels releases harmful byproducts. The release of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas, traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a gradual increase in the planet's temperature, known as global warming. Furthermore, the burning of coal and diesel releases oxides of sulphur and nitrogen. These oxides dissolve in rainwater to form acids, resulting in acid rain, which is harmful to crops, buildings, and soil.
9. Why is incomplete combustion considered more dangerous than complete combustion?
Incomplete combustion, which occurs when there is an insufficient supply of oxygen, is more dangerous because it produces carbon monoxide (CO) gas. Carbon monoxide is an extremely poisonous gas that can be fatal if inhaled in large quantities. Complete combustion, on the other hand, produces carbon dioxide. While carbon dioxide contributes to global warming, it is not immediately poisonous in the same way as carbon monoxide.
10. How can I best use these Class 8 notes for a quick and effective revision of Combustion and Flame?
For an effective revision using these notes, first get a quick overview of all the key topics mentioned. Then, focus on understanding the definitions of key terms like ignition temperature and calorific value. Use the comparison points, like the different types of combustion, to solidify your understanding. Finally, connect the concepts to real-world applications, such as fire safety and environmental pollution, to remember them better for your exams.











