Using Carbon Fuels

Question 0

What are fuels?

Answer 0

Substances that react with oxygen in the air

Question 1

What factors should be taken into consideration when choosing a fuel?

Answer 1

• Energy Value - how much energy do you get from the fuel?
• Availability - is the fuel easy to obtain?
• Storage - how easy is it to store the fuel?
• Cost - how much fuel do you get for your money?
• Toxicity - are the fuel or its combustion products poisonous?
• Pollution - do the combustion products pollute the atmosphere?
• Ease of use - is it easy to control? Is special equipment needed?

Question 2

What does complete combustion need?

Answer 2

A plentiful supply of oxygen

Question 3

What is the word equation for methane burned in air? (Complete combustion)

Answer 3

Methane + Oxygen —-> Carbon Dioxide + Water

Question 4

What is incomplete combustion?

Answer 4

Fuel burning without sufficient oxygen

Question 5

Give some examples of where incomplete combustion could happen

Answer 5

In a room with poor ventilation or when a gas appliance needs servicing

Question 6

What is produced when incomplete combustion occurs?

Answer 6

Water and carbon monoxide

Question 7

What is the word equation of the incomplete combustion of methane?

Answer 7

Methane + Oxygen —-> Carbon Monoxide + Water

Question 8

If incomplete combustion occurs with VERY little oxygen, what is produced?

Answer 8

Carbon (soot)

Question 9

What is the word equation for the burning of methane with very little oxygen?

Answer 9

Methane + Oxygen —-> Carbon + Water

Question 10

What are the 2 advantages of complete combustion?

Answer 10

1. Less soot produced

2. No poisonous carbon monoxide gas produced

Question 11

If a Bunsen burner has a yellow flame, what kind of combustion is occurring?

Answer 11

Incomplete