Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Which of the following supports combustion?

1. Non-metals

2. Chemicals

3. Solid fuels

4. Gases

The correct answer is: Solid fuels

The correct answer, solid fuels, is closely associated with supporting combustion due to their ability to provide a source of energy when burned. Solid fuels, such as wood, coal, and other organic materials, contain carbon and other combustible elements that, when exposed to sufficient heat, undergo a chemical reaction with oxygen in the air. This reaction produces heat and light, which characterizes combustion. The combustion process typically involves the solid fuel being heated to a point where it begins to release volatile gases. These gases mix with oxygen and ignite, sustaining the combustion process. Additionally, the residue remaining after solid fuels burn can contribute to smoke and ash, which are byproducts of combustion. The availability of solid fuels plays a critical role in many industrial processes, heating systems, and energy generation. In contrast, while non-metals and gases can also support combustion under certain circumstances, they do not inherently represent the primary fuel source as solid fuels do. Non-metals can be involved in combustion processes, but they do not inherently consist of materials that undergo combustion themselves in the same way solid fuels do. Chemicals, on the other hand, may refer to a broader range of substances, some of which might inhibit combustion or act as fire retardants, rather than supporting it directly