What is the process of burning called?

The process of burning is best described by the term combustion. This term refers specifically to a chemical reaction that occurs when a substance reacts rapidly with oxygen, releasing heat and light in the process. During combustion, typically characteristic gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, are produced, making it a vital reaction not only in energy production but also in various natural processes like fire.

Additionally, while oxidation is a broader category that encompasses any reaction where a substance loses electrons, combustion specifically refers to the type of oxidation that occurs in the presence of oxygen and involves fuel burning. Incineration is a specific method of waste disposal that involves combustion, but it is focused on reducing waste volume rather than describing the general process of burning itself. Combustive reaction could be a general term, but it is not as widely recognized or defined in scientific literature as combustion. Thus, combustion is the most accurate term for the burning process.