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This lesson covers the combustion of hydrocarbons as required by the AQA GCSE Chemistry specification (5.8.1). Combustion is the most important chemical reaction of hydrocarbons and is the basis of how we use fossil fuels. You must understand both complete and incomplete combustion, their products, and their environmental impact.
Combustion is the reaction of a fuel with oxygen to release energy. When hydrocarbons burn, the carbon and hydrogen atoms in the fuel react with oxygen from the air. Combustion is an exothermic reaction — it transfers energy to the surroundings, usually as heat and light.
There are two types of combustion:
| Type | Oxygen Supply | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Complete combustion | Plentiful (excess oxygen) | Carbon dioxide + water |
| Incomplete combustion | Limited (insufficient oxygen) | Carbon monoxide and/or carbon (soot) + water |
Exam Tip: All combustion reactions are exothermic — they release energy. If asked about the energy change in combustion, always state this. The products have less energy than the reactants.
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