What term describes the rapid chemical process of combining a substance with oxygen, producing heat and light?

The term that describes the rapid chemical process of combining a substance with oxygen, producing heat and light, is combustion. Combustion is characterized by the burning of fuels in the presence of oxygen, which results in the release of energy in the form of heat and light. This process is essential in various applications, including the operation of engines and heating systems.

In contrast, oxidation refers to a broader chemical reaction involving the loss of electrons, which may or may not produce heat and light. Evaporation is the process of a liquid turning into vapor, which does not involve a chemical reaction with oxygen. Photosynthesis is a process used by plants to convert light energy, typically from the sun, into chemical energy, specifically glucose, and involves carbon dioxide and water rather than involving the rapid generation of heat and light through combustion.