Combustion Emit Light: Reasons & Benefits

[bocchesegiacomo]

Why does combustion emit light?
For heat, for excited electrons or for other reasons?

 

[jbriggs444]

Why does combustion emit light?

It does not always. Recently there was an article on these forums where a member indicated that methanol flames are invisible. See post #7 by @Ranger Mike here: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/decarbonizing-an-engine-with-water-myth-or-fact.793344/

For campfire flames, I believe that incandescent carbon is what produces most of the light.