2.5

• What are the requirements of a combustion reaction?

  • Fuel to burn
  • Oxygen for the fuel to burn in
  • Energy to get the process started
• What are the features of a combustion reaction?

  • An exothermic reaction
  • The hydrocarbons are reacted with O2 to produce oxides
  • Also known as an oxidation reaction
• What is the difference a complete and incomplete combustion reaction?

  The amount of oxygen available to react with the fuel
• What is complete combustion reaction?

  • This reaction occurs when there is a large supply of oxygen
  • The only products are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O)
  • Eg: Complete combustion of methane; CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
• What is an incomplete combustion?

  • There is limited oxygen supply
  • Since there is less oxygen available, not all of the carbon can be converted into carbon dioxide
  • Only carbon or carbon monoxide will be produced
  • Eg: Incomplete combustion of methane; 2CH4 + 3O2 → 2CO + 4H2O