Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a major end product formed when a fossil fuel undergoes complete combustion?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Combustion Analysis
Multiple Choice
When a hydrocarbon burns completely in air, which products are typically formed?
A
CO_2 and O_2
B
C and H_2O
C
CO_2 and H_2O
D
CO and H_2
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that a hydrocarbon is a compound made up of only carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms.
Recall that complete combustion means the hydrocarbon reacts fully with oxygen (O_2) from the air, without any leftover fuel or oxygen.
Write the general equation for complete combustion of a hydrocarbon: \(\text{C}_x\text{H}_y + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O\).
Recognize that during complete combustion, carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon are fully oxidized to carbon dioxide (CO_2), and hydrogen atoms are fully oxidized to water (H_2O).
Conclude that the typical products of complete combustion of a hydrocarbon are carbon dioxide (CO_2) and water (H_2O), not carbon (C), carbon monoxide (CO), or leftover oxygen (O_2).
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