Combustion of NH4NO3: What is Needed and How it Reacts

[Soley101]

what is needed for combustion?

I have this experiment NH4NO3 reacts to form (with chlorine as catalyst) N2O and water

the experiment is called oxidation of zinc, so another equation is Zn and NH4NO3 react to form ZnO and water. Anyways, the result is a blue flame and smoke

Combustion is the production of heat and light when something reacts with oxygen. I know that all combustion reactions are automatically oxidation reduction reactions. But how do i determine if oxygen is being used in this reaction to fuel the flame. Basically, is theis a redox and combustion reaction.

 

[Soley101]

How Do I Know If This Is Indeed Combustion?

 

[Astronuc]

Combustion usually refers to oxidation, particularly the exothermic reaction of a material with oxygen.

One definition -

A chemical change, especially oxidation, accompanied by the production of heat and light.

http://www.answers.com/topic/combustion?cat=health

It's difficult to find a more reliable site that actually provides clear definition of "combustion".