Which term describes burning with a little smoke and no flame?

• A. Burning with a little smoke and no flame.
• B. Flaming with bright flames and heavy smoke.
• C. Explosive combustion.
• D. Cooling with no combustion.

Answer: (A)

Smoldering is the type of burning described: a slow, flameless ignition where heat drives the fuel to continue releasing energy and smoke, but there are no visible flames. This often happens with solid fuels like wood or upholstery when oxygen is limited or heat is trapped, so you see smoke with little to no flame. Flaming combustion would show bright flames and more smoke, explosive combustion is a rapid, violent release of energy, and cooling with no combustion means the fire is already out. So the described scenario fits smoldering perfectly.