7.1.5

Burning Hydrocarbons

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Burning Hydrocarbons

The equations for the combustion (burning) of hydrocarbons depend on the amount of oxygen that is available.

Illustrative background for Burning with plenty of oxygenIllustrative background for Burning with plenty of oxygen ?? "content

Burning with plenty of oxygen

  • The combustion (burning) of hydrocarbons when there is a good air supply involves:
    • The release of energy.
    • The oxidation of carbon and hydrogen to create carbon dioxide and water.
Illustrative background for Burning with a lack of oxygenIllustrative background for Burning with a lack of oxygen ?? "content

Burning with a lack of oxygen

  • If alkanes are burned without enough oxygen, then carbon monoxide can be created:
    • 2C + O2 → 2CO
  • Carbon monoxide is a gas with the following properties:
    • Colourless
    • Toxic
    • Odourless

Heavy Fractions of Crude Oil

Heavy fractions of crude oil do NOT make good fuels because they:

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

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