Combustion of Hydrocarbons

• What is the result of the complete combustion of hydrocarbons when oxygen is unlimited?

  Produces carbon dioxide and water
• What happens to the properties of hydrocarbons as the size of the molecule increases?

  They become less flammable and boiling point increases
• What does the term "combustor" mean in the context of hydrocarbons?

  It means burned
• How do you balance the carbon atoms in the combustion of methane?

  Ensure one carbon atom in methane equals one in CO2
• How do you balance the hydrogen atoms in the combustion of methane?

  Place a large two in front of water
• What is the total number of oxygen atoms on the right side after balancing the combustion of methane?

  Four oxygen atoms in total
• What do you need to do to balance the oxygen atoms in the combustion of methane?

  Place a large two in front of O2
• What is the process for balancing the combustion equation for a hydrocarbon?

  1. Balance carbon atoms first.
  2. Balance hydrogen atoms next.
  3. Balance oxygen atoms last.
• What is the equation for the complete combustion of methane?

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

  Place a large three in front of CO2
• How do you balance the hydrogen atoms in the combustion of propane?

  Place a large four in front of water
• What is the total number of oxygen atoms needed to balance the combustion of propane?

  Ten oxygen atoms in total
• What is the significance of balancing chemical equations in combustion reactions?

  It ensures conservation of mass