What is the term for a rapid chemical process that combines a substance with oxygen to produce heat and light?

The correct term for a rapid chemical process that combines a substance with oxygen to produce heat and light is combustion. Combustion is specifically characterized by the exothermic reaction that occurs when a fuel reacts with oxygen, resulting in the release of energy in the form of heat and light, which is commonly seen in fires. This process is essential in firefighting as understanding combustion helps firefighters recognize fire behavior and implement effective strategies to control and extinguish fires.

Other terms, while related to chemical reactions, do not accurately describe this specific process. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons during a chemical reaction and can occur at varying rates, not always rapidly or producing heat and light. Reactivity describes the tendency of a substance to undergo a chemical reaction, either by itself or with other materials, but it doesn't inherently refer to the release of heat and light. Decomposition involves breaking down compounds into simpler substances and is not associated with the immediate release of energy in the manner described. Thus, combustion is the most precise term reflecting the rapid reaction that produces both heat and light.