Energy from fuels

Question 1

What is a combustion reaction?

Answer 1

Many different compounds can be used as fuels, most commonly alkanes and alcohols. When these fuels burn, they release heat energy and light energy to the surroundings in exothermic reactions. Endothermic reactions take in heat energy.

Question 2

Whats an example of a combustion reaction?

Answer 2

For example, propane gas tanks are commonly sold on petrol station forecourts. These gas bottles have a wide variety of uses including portable heating and cooking for caravans and barbecues.

Question 3

What are the 2 products of a combustion reaction?

Answer 3

All hydrocarbons can undergo combustion reactions with oxygen to give the same two products carbon dioxide and water (but only if oxygen is present)

Question 4

What happens when there isnt enough oxygen present?

Answer 4

incomplete combustion (when there is an insufficient supply of oxygen) could lead to toxic carbon monoxide (CO) being produced instead of carbon dioxide

Question 5

What is the formula for calculating the energy released

Answer 5

Eh=CM^T

Question 6

What is the formula for calculating the energy released

Answer 6

Eh=CM^T

Question 7

What does the formula for calculating the energy release mean?

Answer 7

Eh- The heat energy released
C- The specific heat capacity of water (4.18)
M- Mass of water
^T- Change in temperature