The chemical decomposition of a substance through the action of heat is called?

The chemical decomposition of a substance through the action of heat is called?

• A. Oxidation
• B. Condensation
• C. Combustion
• D. Pyrolysis

Answer: (D)

When heat causes a substance to break apart into smaller components, that process is pyrolysis. It’s a thermal decomposition that can happen with little or no oxygen, and it often yields volatile gases that can feed flames. This is different from oxidation, which is a reaction with oxygen and is the main driver of burning; condensation, a gas-to-liquid change; and combustion, which is rapid oxidation with a flame. In interior-fire scenarios, pyrolysis is the stage where the fuel starts releasing vapors due to heating, and those vapors are what can ignite and sustain the fire once an ignition source is present. So the term for chemical decomposition by heat is pyrolysis.

When heat causes a substance to break apart into smaller components, that process is pyrolysis. It’s a thermal decomposition that can happen with little or no oxygen, and it often yields volatile gases that can feed flames. This is different from oxidation, which is a reaction with oxygen and is the main driver of burning; condensation, a gas-to-liquid change; and combustion, which is rapid oxidation with a flame. In interior-fire scenarios, pyrolysis is the stage where the fuel starts releasing vapors due to heating, and those vapors are what can ignite and sustain the fire once an ignition source is present. So the term for chemical decomposition by heat is pyrolysis.