Which of the following materials forms a flame on burning? 1. Magnesium 2. Camphor 3. Charcoal 4. Coal Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct option is (a). Explanation A flame is the visible, gaseous part of a fire. It is produced only when substances vaporize during burning. If a substance does not vaporize, it does not produce a flame and instead burns with a glow. Statement-wise Analysis: - 1. Magnesium (Correct): Magnesium is a metal that vaporizes upon heating and burns with a dazzling white flame to form magnesium oxide. - 2. Camphor (Correct): Camphor is a volatile substance. When heated, it sublimates (turns directly from solid to gas) and burns with a distinct flame. - 3. Charcoal (Incorrect): Charcoal is a carbon-rich solid that does not vaporize significantly. It burns by glowing red (incandescence) without producing a flame. - 4. Coal (Incorrect): While coal contains some volatile matter, in the context of flame formation classification, it is primarily categorized with charcoal as a substance that glows rather than producing a sustained flame like wax or camphor. Key Takeaway: Only substances that vaporize during combustion produce a flame; substances that remain solid while burning only glow.

NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 2: Combustion and flame

mcqmedium

Which of the following materials forms a flame on burning?

Magnesium
Camphor
Charcoal
Coal

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

A flame is the visible, gaseous part of a fire. It is produced only when substances vaporize during burning. If a substance does not vaporize, it does not produce a flame and instead burns with a glow.

Statement-wise Analysis:

1. Magnesium (Correct): Magnesium is a metal that vaporizes upon heating and burns with a dazzling white flame to form magnesium oxide.
2. Camphor (Correct): Camphor is a volatile substance. When heated, it sublimates (turns directly from solid to gas) and burns with a distinct flame.
3. Charcoal (Incorrect): Charcoal is a carbon-rich solid that does not vaporize significantly. It burns by glowing red (incandescence) without producing a flame.
4. Coal (Incorrect): While coal contains some volatile matter, in the context of flame formation classification, it is primarily categorized with charcoal as a substance that glows rather than producing a sustained flame like wax or camphor.

Key Takeaway:

Only substances that vaporize during combustion produce a flame; substances that remain solid while burning only glow.

Your note

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The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

1. Magnesium (Correct): Magnesium is a metal that vaporizes upon heating and burns with a dazzling white flame to form magnesium oxide.
2. Camphor (Correct): Camphor is a volatile substance. When heated, it sublimates (turns directly from solid to gas) and burns with a distinct flame.
3. Charcoal (Incorrect): Charcoal is a carbon-rich solid that does not vaporize significantly. It burns by glowing red (incandescence) without producing a flame.
4. Coal (Incorrect): While coal contains some volatile matter, in the context of flame formation classification, it is primarily categorized with charcoal as a substance that glows rather than producing a sustained flame like wax or camphor.

Key Takeaway:

Only substances that vaporize during combustion produce a flame; substances that remain solid while burning only glow.