The process whereby material decomposes and gas is released when heated is known as?

The process referred to involves the thermal degradation of materials, specifically when they undergo decomposition upon heating, resulting in the release of gases. This specific process is known as pyrolysis. During pyrolysis, complex organic materials break down chemically in the absence of oxygen, leading to the generation of volatile substances, which can include gases and vapors. This is distinct from other processes such as combustion, which involves the rapid oxidation of materials, or ignition, which is the initial stage that can lead to combustion. Oxidation refers to a broader range of chemical reactions involving oxygen, which may or may not involve heat and gas release.

Understanding pyrolysis is crucial, especially in the context of fire dynamics and material behavior under heat, as it outlines the initial stages of potential combustion processes following the decomposition of fuel materials.