What process occurs when oxygen combines chemically with another substance to create a new compound?

The process in which oxygen combines chemically with another substance to create a new compound is oxidation. This is fundamental in many chemical reactions, particularly in the context of fire and combustion, as it typically involves the reaction of a fuel with oxygen. During oxidation, the substance that combines with oxygen undergoes a change in its chemical structure, resulting in the formation of new compounds and the release of energy.

While combustion is a specific type of oxidation that occurs rapidly and produces heat and light, oxidation itself can also occur at a slower rate without producing flames. Pyrolysis refers to the thermal decomposition of materials at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen, which is different from oxidation. Conflagration is a term used to describe a large and destructive fire but is not a chemical process itself. Understanding oxidation is essential for firefighters, as it plays a crucial role in the behavior of fire and how it can be controlled or extinguished.