What chemical process is primarily involved in the burning of a log?

The chemical process primarily involved in the burning of a log is combustion. During combustion, organic materials like wood react with oxygen from the air, producing heat, light, carbon dioxide, and water. This exothermic reaction occurs when the temperature of the wood is sufficiently high, breaking down the chemical bonds in the wood's organic molecules.

Combustion is different from photosynthesis, which is a process that plants use to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, using sunlight as energy. Respiration also involves the conversion of glucose to carbon dioxide and water, but it occurs within living organisms and is used for energy production. Fermentation is a metabolic process that occurs in anaerobic conditions, primarily converting sugars into acids, gases, or alcohol. In summary, combustion is the most relevant process when discussing the burning of organic material like a log.