To combust
is to burn. In every complete combustion equation a hydrocarbon(CxHy)
reacts with oxygen (O2)
to produce water (H2O)
and carbon dioxide (CO2).
Combustion reactions that the pattern of : CxHy +
O2(g) --> H2O(g)
+ CO2(g)
Example #1:
2C8H18 +
25O2 --> 18H2O
+ 16CO2
Octane(C8H18)
reacts with oxygen gas to produce water and carbon
dioxide.
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Now
let’s go step by step.
Write the reaction for the complete combustion of propane (C3H8).
Description
of Action |
Action |
| 1. Write the formula for the given reactant. |
C3H8 |
| 2. Add oxygen, O2, as a reactant. Don't forget that oxygen is a diatomic molecule. |
C3H8 + O2 -->
|
| 3. Your products are ALWAYS H2O and CO2 in a complete combustion. Write H2O and CO2 on the products side. |
C3H8 + O2 --> H2O + CO2
|
| 4. Balance the equation |
C3H8 + 5O2 --> 4H2O + 3CO2
|
|
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