Chapter 22.5, Problem 36LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation- To determine the combustion products for complete and incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons.

Concept introduction − Combustion is the burning of hydrocarbon in presence of oxygen gas to produce steam and carbon dioxide gas. Example: combustion of methane

  ${\text{CH}}_{\text{4(g)}}{\text{+O}}_{\text{2(g)}}\to {\text{CO}}_{\text{2(g)}}{\text{+H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{(g)}}$

Combustion is of two types:

1. Incomplete combustion
2. Complete combustion

Answer to Problem 36LC

Incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon mainly produces carbon monoxide while complete combustion mainly produces carbon dioxide.

Explanation of Solution

1. Incomplete Combustion: It is the partial burning of hydrocarbon in presence of insufficient oxygen. It produces a yellow flame of carbon particles. The main products are carbon monoxide gas and water.

Example: Incomplete combustion of methane gas:

  $C{H}_4+O_2\to CO+H_{2}O+C$

2. Complete combustion: It is the complete burning of hydrocarbon in a sufficient amount of oxygen gas. It produces a blue flame. The main products are carbon dioxide and water.

Example: Complete combustion of methane gas:

  $C{H}_4+O_2\to C{O}_2+H_{2}O$