1. Combustion Reactions

2. Combustion Reaction
The very rapid reaction of a substance with oxygen to produce compounds called oxides (often called burning)
Word equation to represent combustion:
fuel + oxygen  oxides + energy
The energy produced is mainly in the form of heat and light and the fuel can be a variety of elements and compounds.
The products of a combustion reaction are either complete or incomplete.

3. Complete Combustion of Hydrocarbons
In a complete combustion reaction, the supply of oxygen is plentiful. The only products of complete combustion are carbon dioxide and water
Word equation to represent complete combustion of a hydrocarbon
hydrocarbon + oxygen  carbon dioxide + water + energy (blue flame)
The most important fuels we burn are hydrocarbons (Ex: gasoline, natural gas, kerosene)

4. Complete Combustion of Hydrocarbon Examples
hydrocarbon + oxygen  carbon dioxide + water + energy
CH4 + O2  CO2 + H2O
C4H O2  CO2 + H2O
CH3OH O2  CO2 + H2O
C6H12O6 + O2  CO2 + H2O
C7H O2  CO2 + H2O

5. Incomplete Combustion of Hydrocarbons
In an incomplete combustion reaction, the supply of oxygen is limited. The products of complete combustion are are carbon monoxide gas, carbon (soot), carbon dioxide and water
Word equation to represent incomplete combustion of a hydrocarbon
hydrocarbon + oxygen  carbon dioxide + water + carbon monoxide + carbon + energy
Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas that is highly toxic. Carbon monoxide is produced by a running vehicle in an enclosed space and poorly ventilated furnaces. Soot is common in older vehicles with poorly maintained engines

6. Incomplete Combustion of hydrocarbon Examples
hydrocarbon + oxygen  carbon dioxide + water + carbon monoxide + carbon + energy (yellow flame)
hydrocarbon + O2  CO2 + H2O + CO + carbon + energy
CH4 + O2  H2O + CO
C3H8 + O2  H2O + CO

7. Incomplete Combustion continued……
In some cases, metals will react with oxygen in the combustion reaction and an oxide of a metal will be produced.
General word equation
Element + Oxygen  Oxide + Energy
For example:
Mg + O2  MgO
Li + O2  Li2O
Na + O2  Na2O