Which of the following gasses is known to support combustion?

Oxygen is known to support combustion because it is a crucial component of the combustion process. When a fuel is ignited, it requires an oxidizer to sustain the fire, and oxygen is that oxidizer in most cases. In the presence of sufficient oxygen, materials can burn more vigorously and support more intense flames. This makes oxygen essential for combustion to occur, which is why it is often associated with fire and explosive reactions.

In contrast, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and argon are considered inert in terms of supporting combustion. Carbon dioxide can actually act as a fire suppressant, effectively smothering flames when it displaces oxygen. Nitrogen is non-flammable and does not support combustion at all, while argon is an inert gas that also does not react chemically to support combustion.