Combustion of Hydrocarbons

• What should you be able to describe by the end of the video?

  How hydrocarbons can be used as fuels.
• What is the outcome of writing balanced equations for hydrocarbons?

  To represent the complete combustion of hydrocarbons.
• How do the properties of hydrocarbons change with the size of the molecule?

  • Short chain hydrocarbons are highly flammable and have low boiling points.
  • Larger hydrocarbons are less flammable and have higher boiling points.
  • Longer chain hydrocarbons have higher viscosity and flow more slowly.
• What do hydrocarbon fuels release when combusted?

  Energy.
• What does combustion mean in the context of hydrocarbons?

  It means the hydrocarbons are burned.
• What are the products of complete combustion when oxygen is unlimited?

  Carbon dioxide and water.
• What happens to carbon and hydrogen atoms during combustion?

  • They react with oxygen.
  • They are oxidized.
• What is the equation for the complete combustion of methane?

  CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O.
• How do you balance the carbon atoms in the combustion equation?

  By ensuring the number of carbon atoms in the reactants equals the number in the products.
• How do you balance the hydrogen atoms in the combustion equation?

  By adjusting the coefficient in front of water to match the number of hydrogen atoms in the reactants.
• How do you balance the oxygen atoms in the combustion equation?

  By ensuring the total number of oxygen atoms in the products equals the number in the reactants.
• What is the process to balance a combustion equation?

  1. Balance carbon atoms.
  2. Balance hydrogen atoms.
  3. Balance oxygen atoms.
• What is the balanced equation for the combustion of propane?

  C₃H₈ + 5O₂ → 3CO₂ + 4H₂O.
• Why is it important to balance chemical equations?

  To ensure the law of conservation of mass is upheld.