For effective combustion, which element is necessary along with fuel and heat?

For effective combustion, oxygen is essential because it acts as the oxidizing agent that reacts with the fuel to produce energy. In the combustion process, fuel, whether it's gas, liquid, or solid, needs to chemically combine with oxygen to release heat and light. This oxidation reaction yields products such as carbon dioxide and water (in the case of hydrocarbon fuels) as well as energy.

Oxygen is crucial because without it, the chemical reaction that produces combustion cannot occur, which means that the fuel would not ignite or burn efficiently. When an adequate supply of oxygen is present, combustion achieves optimal efficiency, resulting in complete combustion, which minimizes harmful emissions. Hence, oxygen is the critical element needed alongside fuel and heat for effective combustion to take place.