What are finely divided carbon particles produced during combustion called?

Finely divided carbon particles produced during combustion are referred to as soot. Soot forms when there is incomplete combustion of organic matter, which leads to the formation of tiny carbon particles due to insufficient oxygen in the combustion process. These particles can accumulate and create a dark residue, often seen as a byproduct in scenarios involving burning wood, fossil fuels, or other carbon-rich materials. Soot is a major component of smoke and contributes to air pollution, making it important to understand its formation and properties, especially in fire behavior contexts.

In contrast, embers are glowing pieces of coal or wood that remain after a fire has diminished, and they aren’t specifically composed of fine carbon particles. Smoke is a mixture of gases, water vapor, and solid particulates resulting from the combustion process, which means it contains soot but is not synonymous with it. Residue refers to the remaining substances after combustion or reactions have taken place and can include various compounds beyond just soot. The specific terminology helps distinguish between the different byproducts and effects of combustion.