Combustion is a chemical reaction that releases heat and light energy. It requires a fuel, oxygen from air, and temperatures above the fuel's ignition point. Different fuels include solids like wood and coal, liquids like petrol and diesel, and gases like natural gas. Combustion produces flames when fuels vaporize during burning. A flame has different temperature zones, with the outer zone being the hottest. Fuels are evaluated based on their calorific value, or heat produced per unit mass. While combustion provides energy, incomplete burning of fuels pollutes the air with carbon monoxide and particulate matter.