What are the products of complete combustion of hydrocarbons?

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Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What are the products of complete combustion of hydrocarbons?

Explanation:
When hydrocarbons burn completely, all the carbon is fully oxidized to carbon dioxide and all the hydrogen becomes water. This happens when there is plenty of oxygen. The general balanced form is CxHy + (x + y/4)O2 → x CO2 + (y/2)H2O, showing carbon dioxide and water as the products. If oxygen is limited, incomplete combustion can occur, producing carbon monoxide (instead of CO2) and sometimes solid carbon, which is why those other possibilities don’t describe complete combustion.

When hydrocarbons burn completely, all the carbon is fully oxidized to carbon dioxide and all the hydrogen becomes water. This happens when there is plenty of oxygen. The general balanced form is CxHy + (x + y/4)O2 → x CO2 + (y/2)H2O, showing carbon dioxide and water as the products. If oxygen is limited, incomplete combustion can occur, producing carbon monoxide (instead of CO2) and sometimes solid carbon, which is why those other possibilities don’t describe complete combustion.

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