Question

Can you explain the nature of a type of reaction in which a fuel (usually a hydrocarbon) is mixed with an oxidant (usually oxygen), resulting in the formation of carbon dioxide and water?

Answer 1

A combustion reaction is a reaction between a fuel (usually a hydrocarbon) and an oxidant (usually oxygen) that results in the formation of carbon dioxide and water. For example, when methane burns, it reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.

Step-by-step explanation:

A combustion reaction is a reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen gas, releasing energy in the form of light and heat. Combustion reactions must involve O₂ as one reactant. Combustion reactions typically involve the reaction of a fuel, such as a hydrocarbon, with an oxidant, usually oxygen, resulting in the formation of carbon dioxide and water as products. For example, when methane (CH₄) burns, it reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O):

CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O

Other hydrocarbon fuels, like n-heptane (C₇H₁₆), can also undergo combustion reactions, resulting in the formation of carbon dioxide and water:

C₇H₁₆ + 11O₂ → 7CO₂ + 8H₂O