Combustion of Hydrocarbons Flashcards

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What are the two main products of the complete combustion of a hydrocarbon?

Carbon dioxide and water.

What condition is needed for complete combustion?

Plenty of oxygen.

Give the word equation for the complete combustion of methane.

Methane + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water.

Is combustion exothermic or endothermic, and what does that mean?

Exothermic; it releases energy as heat and light.

What happens if a hydrocarbon burns with too little oxygen?

Incomplete combustion happens, making carbon monoxide and/or soot, plus water.

Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?

It is colourless and odourless. It stops the blood carrying enough oxygen and can be fatal.

Write the balanced symbol equation for the complete combustion of propane.

C3H8 + 5O2 -> 3CO2 + 4H2O.

How can you test for carbon dioxide produced by combustion?

Bubble the gas through limewater; it turns cloudy.

How can you test for water produced by combustion?

Use anhydrous copper(II) sulfate; it goes from white to blue.

How are nitrogen oxides (NOx) formed in car engines during combustion?

Nitrogen and oxygen in the air react at high temperatures.

How is sulfur dioxide made when fuels burn, and what problem can it cause?

Sulfur in the fuel burns to sulfur dioxide, which causes acid rain.

What are particulates (soot), and why are they a problem?

Tiny solid particles from incomplete combustion; they can harm lungs and cause global dimming.