Burning Hydrocarbons

Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 7.1.8

Burning Hydrocarbons

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

Burning with plenty of oxygen

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.
Burning with a lack of oxygen

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

Test yourself on Burning Hydrocarbons

  • When a hydrocarbon burns completely in a good supply of oxygen, it...

  • What does NOT occur when hydrocarbons burn in a good supply of oxygen?

  • Name 3 properties of carbon monoxide

  • Whether burning hydrocarbons produces carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide...

  • What results from burning hydrocarbons in a plentiful supply of oxygen?

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