What type of combustion occurs when there is an insufficient oxygen supply?

The type of combustion that occurs when there is an insufficient supply of oxygen is incomplete combustion. Incomplete combustion happens when the fuel does not burn completely due to the limited availability of oxygen, leading to the formation of products like carbon monoxide, soot, and other hydrocarbons, instead of producing primarily carbon dioxide and water, which are the products of complete combustion. This process is less efficient and can be hazardous due to the production of carbon monoxide, a toxic gas that poses significant health risks. In settings like oil burning, ensuring adequate air supply is crucial to achieving complete combustion for safety and efficiency, which underscores the significance of understanding this basic concept in burner operation.