Combustion of Hydrocarbons
Chemistry: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 15.1.6
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.
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.
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
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.
Test yourself on Combustion of Hydrocarbons
What doesn't happen when hydrocarbons burn in a good air supply?
Whether burning hydrocarbons produces carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide...