Which of the following is capable of igniting and burning?

• A. A combustible
• B. A solvent
• C. Water
• D. Ice

Answer: (A)

Ignition and burning depend on a substance acting as fuel and reaching a temperature where it will sustain oxidation. A combustible substance is defined as capable of ignition and combustion when exposed to sufficient heat in the presence of air. Water and ice aren’t fuels and cannot burn; they actually absorb heat and can help extinguish flames. A solvent can be flammable, but that isn’t guaranteed for all solvents and isn’t a universal descriptor for burning. So, the term that best identifies something that can ignite and burn is combustible.