11.6.7

Combustion of Ethanol

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Combustion of Ethanol

Ethanol (C2H5OH) is a fuel/solvent. Its complete combustion with oxygen yields CO2 and H2O, releasing energy as heat/light (exothermic reaction).

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What is ethanol?

  • Ethanol is an alcohol with the formula C2H5OH.
  • Chemists use ethanol as a fuel and solvent.
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Combustion definition

  • Combustion means burning a substance in oxygen.
    • Combustion happens in organic compounds like ethanol.
    • Ethanol combustion releases energy as heat and light.
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Combustion reaction of ethanol

  • Ethanol reacts with oxygen from air.
    • The complete combustion equation: C2H5OH + 3O2 → 2CO2 + 3H2O
    • Carbon dioxide and water form as products.
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Energy from combustion

  • Energy release during ethanol combustion powers engines and heaters.
    • Ethanol combustion is exothermic.
    • The energy comes from breaking and making chemical bonds.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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