Chemistry
Intermediate

Combustion of a Hydrocarbon

Complete combustion of a hydrocarbon in oxygen, releasing energy and producing carbon dioxide and water.

Formula

CxHy+(x+y4)O2→x CO2+y2 H2OC_xH_y + \left(x + \tfrac{y}{4}\right)O_2 \rightarrow x\,CO_2 + \tfrac{y}{2}\,H_2O

Variables

CₓHᵧHydrocarbon fuel
xCarbon atoms
yHydrogen atoms
O₂Oxygen

Example

Methane: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O

Did You Know?

Incomplete combustion (too little oxygen) produces carbon monoxide and soot instead of clean CO₂ and water.

combustionchemistryreactionfuelenergy

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