how is it that different substances can burn at different temperatures despite all being able to be ignited by the same temp match?

Question

how is it that different substances can burn at different temperatures despite all being able to be ignited by the same temp match?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Ignition and combustion are two different things entirely.

Magnesium shavings burn incredibly hot up to 3,100 degrees Celsius. But they can be ignited at a temperature around 630-640 degrees Celsius. And it will spontaneously combust at 883 degrees Celsius.

Ignition is setting a substance on fire.

Combustion is that substance burning.

For a lot of substances, the ignition temperature is considerably lower than the combustion temperature.