Question

A chemical equation for the combustion of propane, C₃H₈, is shown below. Through this reaction is the carbon oxidized or reduced?

Answer 1

Carbon in propane is oxidized during combustion.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the combustion of propane, the carbon is oxidized.

An oxidation reaction involves the loss of electrons, and in this case, the carbon in propane is bonded to hydrogen atoms. During combustion, the carbon atoms in propane bond with oxygen atoms from the air, forming carbon dioxide (CO2).

This combustion process results in carbon being converted from a lower oxidation state (in propane) to a higher oxidation state (in carbon dioxide), indicating oxidation.

Learn more about oxidation and combustion