REVISION
GRADE-8
SUBJECT-CHEMISTRY
TOPIC-COMBUSTION AND FLAMES
Short Answer Questions
1. What is combustion? Give two examples.
Combustion is a chemical process in which a substance reacts rapidly with oxygen, releasing
heat and light.
Examples:
Burning of wood
Combustion of petrol in a car engine
2. Why is a burning candle flame yellow in color?
The yellow color is due to the presence of tiny soot particles in the flame. These particles get
heated and glow, emitting yellow light.
3. Define ignition temperature with an example.
Ignition temperature is the minimum temperature at which a substance catches fire and
continues to burn.
Example:
Paper has an ignition temperature of about 233°C.
4. Why does a matchstick not catch fire on its own at room temperature?
A matchstick does not catch fire on its own because the ambient temperature is below its
ignition temperature.
5. What is the difference between luminous and non-luminous flames?
Luminous flame: Emits light
Non-luminous flame: Does not emit much light
6. What is secondary fuel. Write its examples.
Secondary fuel is obtained by processing primary fuels.
Examples:
LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)
7. What is primary fuel. Write its examples.
Primary fuel is directly obtained from nature and can be used as such.
Examples:
Wood, Coal
Reasoning / Application Questions
1. Why do we blow on burning coal to make it burn faster?
Blowing provides additional oxygen, which increases the rate of combustion, making the
coal burn faster.
2. Why is water not used to extinguish fire caused by petrol or electrical equipment?
1. Water can spread petrol fire because petrol floats on water.
2. Water conducts electricity, which can cause electric shocks or further short circuits.
3. Why is the outermost part of a candle flame blue in color?
The outermost part has sufficient oxygen and is the hottest part, which emits blue light due
to complete combustion.
4. Why do we cover burning clothes with a blanket?
Covering removes oxygen, which is necessary for combustion, thus extinguishing the fire.
5. Why is LPG considered a better fuel than wood?
LPG burns cleaner, produces more energy per unit, and emits fewer pollutants than wood.
Diagram/Activity Based
1. Draw a neat, labeled diagram of a candle flame showing its different zones.
2. During the flame test of a candle, which part is the hottest and which is the least hot?
Explain why.
Hottest: Outermost blue zone because complete combustion and highest temperature
Least hot: Innermost dark zone because incomplete combustion and less oxygen)
3. Why does a piece of paper cup filled with water not burn when placed on a flame?
Water absorbs heat and prevents the paper from reaching its ignition temperature.
4. Why do goldsmiths use the outermost zone of the flame for melting gold and silver?
The outermost blue zone is the hottest and provides sufficient heat for melting metals.
5. Explain why coal and wood are said to be polluting fuels while LPG and CNG are
cleaner fuels.
Coal & wood produce smoke, soot, and harmful gases due to incomplete combustion.
LPG & CNG combust more completely, emitting fewer pollutants like CO₂ and H₂O
only.
MCQs
1. Which of the following is a good fuel?
a) Wood
b) Coal
c) LPG
d) Kerosene
2. The lowest temperature at which a substance catches fire is called:
a) Boiling point
b) Ignition temperature
c) Melting point
d) Freezing point
3. Which of the following is not a combustible substance?
a) Paper
b) Stone
c) LPG
d) Wood
4. The hottest part of a candle flame is:
a) Innermost zone
b) Middle zone
c) Outermost zone
d) Whole flame is equally hot
5. Which gas is necessary for combustion?
a) Carbon dioxide
b) Oxygen
c) Nitrogen
d) Hydrogen
6. The middle zone of a candle flame is:
a) Blue and least hot
b) Yellow and moderately hot
c) Dark and coldest
d) Invisible and hottest
7. Water is not suitable for extinguishing fire involving:
a) Wood
b) Paper
c) Electrical equipment
d) Clothes
8. Which of the following is a clean fuel?
a) Coal
b) Diesel
c) Petrol
d) CNG
9. The process in which a substance reacts with oxygen to produce heat and light is called:
a) Respiration
b) Combustion
c) Evaporation
d) Oxidation
10. Which flame is used by goldsmiths for melting gold and silver?
a) Innermost zone (dark)
b) Middle zone (yellow)
c) Outermost zone (blue)
d) Entire flame
