What is the difference between complete and incomplete combustion of a hydrocarbon?
In complete combustion, there is a sufficient supply of oxygen which is able to react with the burning hydrocarbon allowing the reaction products H2O and CO2 to be formed.
In incomplete combustion there is a lack of oxygen so when heat is applied carbon monoxide is released.
For example: C2H6 + 3 1/2O2 -> 2CO2 + 3H2O C2H6 + 3O2 -> CO + CO2 + 3H2O
EM
Related Chemistry A Level answers
All answers ▸What is Le Châtelier's principle?
Name the reagent and explain the process of 1-bromoethane into propanoic acid
Why is benzene so stable?
For the following reaction, you obtained 7.2 g of sodium sulfate, starting from 10 g of sulfuric acid. Sodium hydroxide is in excess. What is the % yield? H2SO4 + 2NaOH → Na2SO4 + 2H2O