Combustion of alkanes Flashcards
What is complete combustion?
When a substance burns completely in oxygen
What are the products of complete combustion?
CO2(g) and H2O(g)
What is incomplete combustion?
When a substance burns in a limited amount of oyxgen
What are the products of incomplete combustion?
Either carbon monoxide (CO) and water vapour, or solid carbon and water vapour
Why are carbon dioxide and water vapour pollutants?
They are greenhouse gases
Why is carbon monoxide toxic?
Restricts the flow of oxygen in the body. Also flammable
What does solid carbon cause?
Smog
Why is complete combustion more efficient?
Produces more energy per mole, requires less fuel so less costly
What does sulfur dioxide cause?
Acid rain and respiratory problems
How is sulfur dioxide prevented from being released into the atmosphere?
SO2(g) + CaO(s) —> CaSO3(s)
What does nitric oxide cause?
Acid rain and respiratory issues
How do catalytic converters remove unburnt hydrocarbons?
Unburnt hydrocarbon + O2 —> CO2 + H2O
How do catalytic converters remove NO and CO?
They react together:
2NO(g) + 2CO(g) —> N2(g) + 2CO2(g)
