Final answer:
The amount of ash produced during a combustion process is determined by how the fuel is burned, the type of fuel, and the preparation of the fuel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amount of ash produced during a combustion process is determined by how the fuel is burned. When fuel is burned incompletely or at lower temperatures, it can leave behind more ash. For example, if wood is burned in a fireplace with insufficient oxygen, it can produce more ash compared to when it is burned in a high-temperature furnace. Additionally, the type of fuel can also affect the amount of ash produced. Different fuels have different compositions and impurities that can contribute to the ash content. For instance, coal and biomass fuels tend to produce more ash compared to natural gas. Furthermore, the preparation of the fuel can influence the amount of ash. If the fuel is not properly processed or has a higher moisture content, it can result in more ash during combustion.