15.1.6

Combustion of Hydrocarbons

Test yourself

Burning Hydrocarbons

A fuel is a substance that releases energy when burned. 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 involve:
    • Energy release.
    • 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
Illustrative background for Problems with incomplete combustionIllustrative background for Problems with incomplete combustion ?? "content

Problems with incomplete combustion

  • As well as producing carbon monoxide, incomplete combustion produces soot.
  • Soot can build up in appliances and cause problems. This happens in cars and any items that use carbon compounds as fuel.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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