OXYGEN IS NEEDED FOR COMBUSTION

Combustion is commonly known as burning Combustion (burning) is the chemical reaction which takes place when a substances (fuel) combines with O2 to give out heat and light energy. O2 supports combustion. Combustion does not take place in the absence of O2 Substances which undergo combustion are called fuels.

The conditions for combustion

Combustion will only take place under the following conditions : I Oxygen is present II Fuel is present III Enough amount of heat is present

Combustion will not take place if any of these conditions is not present.

THE FIRE TRIANGLE

The products of combustion

a) b)

Air contains O2 which supports combustion. This reactive O2 will act on the fuel when a little heat is provided. Fuel is a substances which can burn. For example; Carbon- coal, charcoal, firewood Hydrocarbon- diesel, kerosene, candle, natural gas. Hydrocarbon is a compound which contains 2 elements, hydrogen and carbon

The product of combustion depends on the kind of fuel burned. Generally, combustion produces oxide compound, heat energy and light energy. The products of fuel combustion : - The combustion of carbon CO2, heat energy and light energy.

CARBON + OXYGEN CARBON DIOXIDE + LIGHT ENERGY + HEAT ENERGY

The combustion of hydrocarbon CO2, water, heat energy and light energy.

HYDROCARBON + OXYGEN CARBON DIOXIDE + WATER + LIGHT ENERGY + HEAT ENERGY

During the combustion of hydrocarbon, the hydrogen element combines with oxygen in the air to form water, while the carbon element combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide.

The water formed can be tested with, a) Anhydrous copper sulphate solid. The presence of water will change its colour from white to blue. b) Dry cobalt chloride paper The presence of water will change its colour from blue to pink.

Activity 1: To test for the product of combustion of charcoal (carbon)

Procedure - A piece of charcoal was heated using a bunsen burner . - The smoke released by the burning charcoal was collected in a test tube. - Some lime water was added into the test tube.

Observation

The lime water turns cloudy

Activity 2: To test for the products of combustion of kerosene (hydrocarbon)

A. To test for CO2 Procedure - The smoke given out by a lighted kerosene lamp was collected in a test tube. - Some lime water was poured into the test tube. - The test tube was shaken and any change to the lime water was observed

Observation

The lime water turns cloudy

B. To test for water

Procedure - A 500 ml beaker was inverted over a kerosene lamp. - The droplets of liquid formed on the inner surface of the beaker were tested with a piece of blue cobalt chloride paper

Observation

The cobalt chloride paper turns pink indicating the presence of water