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What happens in a combustion reaction? Why is incomplete combustion a problem?

User Ryan Byrne
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Answer:

  • 4CH₄ + 5O₂ -------> 2CO + 8H₂O + 2C
  • poisonous for health

Step-by-step explanation:

Combustion Reaction:

combustion is an exothermic reaction that is a reaction of fuel with oxygen. In this an amount of heat produced along with the production of carbon dioxide and water

As Shown in the reaction

CH₄ + 2O₂ -------> CO₂ + 2H₂O + heat

The heat in this reaction is equal to -418 KJ/mol

Incomplete Combustion Reaction:

In this type of reaction the reaction occur in insufficient amount of oxygen that complete fuel not burnt to produce energy.

In Incomplete combustion the fuel not react completely to produce CO₂ and 2H₂O instead it produce CO and water with carbon

As Shown in the reaction

4CH₄ + 5O₂ -------> 2CO + 8H₂O + 2C

incomplete combustion a problem

This is a problem because of the following reasons

  • Fuel not react completely and not produce required energy
  • incomplete combustion is waste of fuel as it not used completely and produce carbon.
  • It also hazardous for health as well as for environment as CO produced in this reaction that have more affinity to hemoglobin then oxygen and stop respiration in humans.
  • It also cause of acid rain.
  • CO and water also known as water gas that is poisonous for chemical operating systems too
User Richard N
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