CK-12 Physical Science Concepts - For Middle School

http://www.ck12.org Chapter 3. Chemical Interactions

Summary

• A complete combustion reaction occurs when a fuel reacts quickly with oxygen (O 2 ) and produces carbon
  dioxide (CO 2 ) and water (H 2 O). The general equation for a complete combustion reaction is: Fuel + O 2 →
  CO 2 + H 2 O


• The fuel that burns in a combustion reaction usually consists of hydrocarbons, which contain only carbon (C)
  and hydrogen (H). An example of a hydrocarbon is methane (CH 4 ), the main component of natural gas.

Vocabulary

• combustion reaction: Chemical reaction in which a substance reacts quickly with oxygen, producing carbon
  dioxide, water, and energy; commonly called burning.

Explore More

Watch the video about combustion reactions at the following URL, and then answer the questions below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeQTFpuC5Jc

MEDIA

Click image to the left for use the URL below.

URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/82346

1. When does complete combustion occur? What are the products of complete combustion?


2. When does incomplete combustion occur? What are the products of incomplete combustion?

Review

1. What is a combustion reaction?


2. Write the general equation for a combustion reaction.


3. When iron rusts, it slowly combines with oxygen to form iron oxide. Is rusting a combustion reaction?