What must happen to oil in order to support combustion?

For combustion to occur, a substance must be in a state that allows it to mix with oxygen and ignite. In the case of oil, it needs to be changed to a gas or vapor form. This change happens because gases can disperse and mix readily with air, enabling the chemical reaction of combustion to take place efficiently. When oil is heated, it evaporates and forms a vapor, which is essential for the combustion process, as the vapor provides the necessary surface area for the reaction with oxygen in the atmosphere.

By contrast, if oil were to be frozen, it would be in a solid state, preventing any potential for combustion since solids do not mix with air in a way that can support ignition. Additionally, diluting oil with water is counterproductive; water inhibits combustion since it does not support the combustion reaction and effectively cools the mixture, making ignition less likely. Therefore, transforming oil into a gas or vapor is vital for it to support combustion, as it enables the necessary conditions for the fire to ignite and sustain.