Wize High School Grade 12 Chemistry Textbook > Organic Chemistry (Part 2: Chemical Reactions)

Combustion Reactions

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Combustion Reactions


Image illustrating Combustion Reactions
  • Combustion reaction: a reaction where a compound reacts with oxygen to produce the oxides of the elements that make up the compound

Complete vs Incomplete Combustion:


  • Complete Combustion: when an excess of oxygen reacts with a hydrocarbon to produce CO2 + H2O. This reaction releases energy.

Hydrocarbon + O2 -> CO2 + H2O + energy

  • Ex. Balance the following equation: ________C3H8(g) + ________O2(g) --> ________CO2(g) + ________H2O(g)


  • Incomplete Combustion: when there is insufficient oxygen present and the oxygen reacts with a hydrocarbon to form CO2 + CO + H2O + C. Here, the elements in the fuel don't combine with oxygen to the greatest extent possible.


Image illustrating Combustion Reactions
  • Note: you can't balance incomplete combustion reactions :)