What role does oxygen play in relation to flammable or combustible materials?

Oxygen plays a critical role in the process of combustion, acting as an essential reactant that supports and sustains fire. When a flammable or combustible material is present, oxygen is necessary for the chemical reaction that occurs during combustion. This process typically involves a fuel source reacting with oxygen to produce heat and light, which is essentially the flame we see during a fire.

In this context, the promotion of combustion means that the presence of oxygen allows the fire to ignite and continue burning as long as there is enough fuel and heat available. Without sufficient oxygen, combustion can be incomplete or may not occur at all, illustrating why its role is crucial.

While oxygen itself is not flammable, it is vital for facilitating the combustion of other materials, providing the necessary environment for the chemical reactions that produce flames and heat.