Combustion of Ethanol
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 11.6.7
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).
What is ethanol?
- Ethanol is an alcohol with the formula C2H5OH.
- Chemists use ethanol as a fuel and solvent.
Combustion definition
- Combustion means burning a substance in oxygen.
- Combustion happens in organic compounds like ethanol.
- Ethanol combustion releases energy as heat and light.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Combustion of Ethanol
What is the chemical formula for ethanol?