Which term describes something capable of catching fire or burning?

Which term describes something capable of catching fire or burning?

• A. Corrosion
• B. Alkaline earth metals
• C. Combustible
• D. Reactive substance

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is flammability—the property of a material that describes its ability to catch fire and burn. A substance that can ignite and sustain combustion when exposed to heat, oxygen, and an ignition source is described as combustible. This term is specifically about burning, which is why it’s the best fit for “something capable of catching fire or burning.” Corrosion describes a chemical reaction that wears away a material, usually with a metal reacting with air or water, and it isn’t about burning. Alkaline earth metals are a group of elements; while some can burn under certain conditions, the description of burning capability isn’t about the whole group. Reactive substance is a broad label for any substance that can react, not necessarily burn. So the term that best captures the idea of burning is combustible.

The main idea here is flammability—the property of a material that describes its ability to catch fire and burn. A substance that can ignite and sustain combustion when exposed to heat, oxygen, and an ignition source is described as combustible. This term is specifically about burning, which is why it’s the best fit for “something capable of catching fire or burning.”

Corrosion describes a chemical reaction that wears away a material, usually with a metal reacting with air or water, and it isn’t about burning. Alkaline earth metals are a group of elements; while some can burn under certain conditions, the description of burning capability isn’t about the whole group. Reactive substance is a broad label for any substance that can react, not necessarily burn. So the term that best captures the idea of burning is combustible.