When fuel continues to burn without the need for external heat sources, this phenomenon is known as what?

The correct answer pertains to the term that describes a process where a fuel continues to burn without the need for additional external heat sources. In this context, self-sustaining combustion accurately captures the essence of a fire or combustion process that maintains itself once initiated, relying solely on the heat produced by the chemical reactions of the fuel and the environment.

Self-sustaining combustion occurs when the heat generated from the burning material is sufficient to continue the combustion process. This is a fundamental concept in fire science as it highlights how fires can sustain themselves once they reach a certain temperature and have a continuous supply of fuel and oxygen.

The other options describe various aspects of combustion, but they do not encapsulate the specific phenomenon of combustion that continues without external heat. Understanding self-sustaining combustion is crucial for fire and life safety education, as it emphasizes the importance of fuel types, heat, and oxygen in fire dynamics.