What causes alcohol to burn?

Alcohol burns due to its flammable nature and the presence of ethanol, which readily ignites when exposed to an open flame or high heat. When alcohol vaporizes, it forms a mixture with air that can ignite, producing a flame. The combustion process releases energy in the form of heat and light as the alcohol reacts with oxygen, creating carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. This exothermic reaction is what causes the visible flame.