GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Combustion of Alkanes

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Organic chemistry Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock

Combustion of Alkanes

8:48 Hydrocarbons
Spec 4.7.1.3
Previous General Formulae of Alkanes Next Cracking
  • Combustion of hydrocarbon fuels releases energy.
  • Combustion is the reaction between a fuel and oxygen, also known as burning.
  • Combustion reactions are used in bunsen burners for heating due to the large amount of energy released.
  • Complete combustion of hydrocarbons produces carbon dioxide and water.
  • Complete combustion requires plenty of oxygen for the hydrocarbon to react with.
  • Example reaction: CH4 + 2O2 ��� CO2 + 2H2O.
  • Methane consists of a carbon atom bonded to four hydrogens.
  • Different hydrocarbons require different amounts of oxygen for complete combustion, producing varying amounts of carbon dioxide and water.
  • During combustion, carbon and hydrogen in fuels are oxidized, meaning they gain oxygen.
  • In complete combustion, carbon forms carbon dioxide, and hydrogen forms water.
  • Example problem: Write the balanced equation for the complete combustion of ethane.
  • Ethane formula: C2H6.
  • Organic compound prefixes indicate the number of carbon atoms (e.g., "eth" for two carbons).
  • Alkanes have the general formula CN H2N+2.
  • Complete combustion of ethane: C2H6 + O2 ��� CO2 + H2O.
  • Balancing equations involves ensuring the same number of each type of atom on both sides.
  • Balancing may require trial and error, starting with elements that appear in fewer places.
  • Final balanced equation for ethane combustion: 2C2H6 + 7O2 ��� 4CO2 + 6H2O.

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