Crude Oil and Fuels - Burning hydrocarbon fuels

Question 1

What is complete combustion?

Answer 1

• When hydrocarbons burn the carbon and hydrogen oxidises completely
• The products of complete combustion are carbon dioxide and water

Question 2

Give an example of complete combustion

Answer 2

propane + oxygen —-> carbon dioxide + water

Question 3

What is incomplete combustion?

Answer 3

• When there is not enough oxygen there is an incomplete combustion
• Instead of creating carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide is also formed

Question 4

How is complete combustion tested?

Answer 4

• Carbon dioxide turns limewater cloudy

- Water turns blue cobalt chloride paper pink (or white anhydrous copper sulphate blue)