Autoignition temperature
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The autoignition temperature or kindling point of a substance is the lowest temperature in which it spontaneously ignites in normal or standard atmosphere without requiring an external source of ignition, such as a flame or spark. This temperature is required to supply the activation energy needed for combustion.
General
The temperature at which a chemical ignites at standard atmosphere composition (78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% other gases), decreases as the pressure is increased. In general, the influence of sunlight is insignificant, unless the compound displays light-sensitivity or the mixture itself is light-sensitive. Substances which spontaneously ignite in a normal atmosphere at naturally ambient temperatures are termed pyrophoric.
The ignition temperature of a substance is the lowest temperature at which the substance starts combustion.
