Topic 6 - Burning Hydrocarbons Flashcards
what is released when you burn a fuel?
energy in the form of heat
what type of reaction is burning?
a combustion reaction - the substance being burnt reacts with oxygen
why are hydrocarbons good fuels?
they release a lot of energy when burnt
what is complete combustion?
a combustion reaction where the only products are carbon dioxide and water
what is the word equation for burning a hydrocarbon?
hydrocarbon + oxygen = carbon dioxide + water
when does incomplete combustion happen?
when there isn’t enough oxygen
what does incomplete combustion produce?
carbon monoxide and carbon (as well as carbon dioxide and water)
what happens when fractions from crude oil are burnt as fuels?
sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides may be produced
why are sulfur dioxides produced when burning hydrocarbon fuels?
sulfur impurities in the hydrocarbon fuels
why are nitrogen oxides produced when burning hydrocarbon fuels?
they are created when the temperature is high enough for the nitrogen and oxygen in the air to react
what happens when sulfur dioxide mixes with water vapour in clouds?
dilute sulfuric acid is produced - rain falling from these clouds is acid rain
what happens when nitrogen oxides mix with water vapour in clouds?
nitric acid is produced - rain falling from these clouds is acid rain
