http://www.ck12.org Chapter 3. Chemical Interactions
3.22 Combustion Reactions
- Write the general formula for a combustion reaction.
- Describe examples of combustion reactions.
Don’t try this at home! This performer isn’t really eating fire, but he still puts on an impressive show. You know that
fire is dangerous. It’s hot, it can burn you, and it can easily get out of control. But do you know what fire is? Fire is
the result of a chemical reaction. Whenever something burns, a type of reaction called a combustion reaction occurs.
What Is a Combustion Reaction?
Acombustion reactionoccurs when a substance reacts quickly with oxygen (O 2 ). For example, in theFigure
3.32, charcoal is combining with oxygen. Combustion is commonly called burning, and the substance that burns is
usually referred to as fuel. The products of a complete combustion reaction include carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and water
vapor (H 2 O). The reaction typically gives off heat and light as well. The general equation for a complete combustion
reaction is:
Fuel + O 2 →CO 2 + H 2 O