Combustion of Fuels Flashcards

All 5 cards in this deck

What are the products of the complete combustion of a hydrocarbon fuel?

Carbon dioxide and water, and energy is given out.

How do you write a balanced equation for the complete combustion of a hydrocarbon?

e.g. propane, $\mathrm{C_3H_8}$

1. One $\mathrm{CO_2}$ per carbon, one $\mathrm{H_2O}$ per 2 hydrogens: $3\mathrm{CO_2} + 4\mathrm{H_2O}$
2. Count the oxygen atoms needed: $6 + 4 = 10$, so $5\mathrm{O_2}$
3. $\mathrm{C_3H_8 + 5O_2 \rightarrow 3CO_2 + 4H_2O}$

Why can incomplete combustion of a hydrocarbon produce carbon monoxide and carbon?

There is insufficient oxygen to oxidise all the carbon to carbon dioxide.

What problems does soot (carbon) from incomplete combustion cause in appliances such as gas boilers?

It deposits on burners and blocks flues and pipes, wasting fuel and releasing less energy, and can cause dangerous carbon monoxide build-up.

True or false? You can tell carbon monoxide is leaking from a faulty appliance by its smell.

False. Carbon monoxide is colourless and has no smell, which is why it is so dangerous.