1. Mr. Chapman Science 10

2. What is a combustion reaction?  A combustion reaction occurs when a hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen gas.  A hydrocarbon is any chemical that has the chemical formula C x H y. For example, the following are ALL hydrocarbons:  Methane (CH 4 ), Butane (C 2 H 6 ), Octane (C 3 H 8 ), as well as gasoline and others.

3. 5. Combustion Reactions Combustion reactions occur when a hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen gas. This is also called burning!!! In order to burn something you need the 3 things in the “fire triangle”: 1) A Fuel (hydrocarbon) 2) Oxygen to burn it with 3) Something to ignite the reaction (spark)

4. Combustion Reactions In general: C x H y + O 2  CO 2 + H 2 O Products in combustion are ALWAYS carbon dioxide and water. (although incomplete burning does cause some by- products like carbon monoxide) Combustion is used to heat homes and run automobiles (octane, as in gasoline, is C 8 H 18 )

5. Combustion Reactions Edgar Allen Poe’s drooping eyes and mouth are potential signs of CO poisoning.

6. Examples – Combustion Reactions  Write the products for each of the following chemical reactions, and then balance the equations: 1. C 3 H 8 + O 2  2. CH 4 + O 2  3. C 5 H 12 + O 2  4. C 4 H 10 + O 2 

7. Fossil Fuels  Hydrocarbons are a type of fossil fuel. You may have heard that burning of fossil fuels may not be good for the environment.  You also may have heard that fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource. This is due to the fact that they are created over millions of years from compressed remains of organisms.

8. So, What’s the Problem?

9. Dangerous By-Products:  When hydrocarbons and other fossil fuels burn, they generally leave dangerous by- products in the air.  One of the main by-products is carbon dioxide, which is also known as a greenhouse gas. Many people believe this is causing global warming, but there is now reason to doubt that.  The following is a list of other dangerous by- products that can happen running a vehicle:

10. http://www.hybridcars.com/oil- environment  Carbon dioxide is the dominant greenhouse gas that causes global warming.  Carbon monoxide, when inhaled, impairs the flow of oxygen to your brain.  Sulphur oxides contribute to respiratory illness, and aggravate existing heart and lung diseases.  Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) react with compounds in the air to cause acid rain and ozone (the main reason for smog).  Particulate matter are an established cause of lung problems, including cancer.  Hydrocarbons, in their many forms, irritate the lung and other tissues, contribute to birth defects and cause other illnesses including cancer.  Lead damages organs, affects the brains, nerves, heart, and blood.