CHEM 6.9 Combustion Flashcards
What is Combustion ?
Combustion is a chemical reaction in which a fuel “burns” or reacts quickly with oxygen. The
products of this reaction are usually an oxide and energy.
What are the reactants of combustion ? What does this name imply ?
The reactants are hydrocarbons and oxygen.
Hydrocarbons contain the elements of HYDROGEN and CARBON.
List the hydrocarbons and their chemical formulas.
Methane –> C1H4
Ethane –> C2H6
Propane –> C3H8
Butane –> C4H10
Pentane –> C5H12
(notice the # of carbons is increasing by 1, and the # of hydrogens is increasing by 2)
What is Complete Combustion ? List an example (word and chemical equation).
If OXYGEN IS PLENTIFUL, hydrocarbons burn completely to release the energy they contain. The only products of complete combustion are carbon dioxide and water.
Hydrocarbon + Oxygen –> Carbon dioxide + Water
CxHy + O2 –> CO2 + H2O
What is Incomplete Combustion ? List an example (word and chemical equation).
If the OXYGEN SUPPLY IS LIMITED, incomplete combustion may occur, releasing carbon monoxide gas and
carbon (soot), in addition to carbon dioxide and water.
Hydrocarbon + Oxygen –> Carbon dioxide + Water + Carbon monoxide + Carbon
CxHy + O2 –> CO2 + H2O + CO + C
What is Carbon Monoxide ? What do you know about it ?
Carbon Monoxide is a gas compound (CO):
-Odourless, colourless gas
-Highly toxic
-Carbon monoxide poisioning symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea
-Poorly ventilated furnace or closed garage with vehicle running
What are oxides ?
A metal combines with oxygen to form ionic compounds known as oxides.
magnesium + oxygen –> magnesium oxide
What are the advantages of Hydrogen as a fuel ?
-Burns cleanly, producing only
water, and energy.
-As long as you have water, you
can extract the hydrogen for
energy.
-Endless supply
What are the disadvantages of Hydrogen as a fuel ?
-Expensive to produce the hydrogen and the technology (engines) to use it.
-Explosive
-As long as you have water, you can extract the hydrogen for energy.
