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Hydrocarbons contain (ideally) hydrogen and carbon. When they are burned the hydrogen reacts with oxygen from the atmosphere to produce water H2O (usually steam) and the carbon reacts with more oxygen to produce carbon dioxide CO2.

Both these processes release a lot of heat (they are exothermic) and the heat is often used to drive a heat engine, which could be a petrol or diesel engine or a gas turbine. The heat can also be used to turn water into steam which is used in a steam turbine, another type of heat engine.

Hydrogen, carbon and oxygen have atomic weights of 1, 12 and 16. A hydrocarbon fuel like gasoline has approximately two hydrogen atoms for each carbon atom. 1 kg of fuel contains about 80% carbon and the molecular weight is about 14. Burning brings in two atoms of oxygen for each carbon atom, and one more atom of oxygen for the two hydrogen atoms. That means that 14 kg of fuel uses approximately 48 kg of oxygen to produce 44 kg of CO2 plus 18 kg of water.

The above is an approximate estimate of the principles involved, but is useful as a guide for the hydrocarbon fuels used in vehicles. One kg of fuel gives rise to approximately 3 kg of carbon dioxide.

A light gas like methane CH4 has proportionally more hydrogen, so 1 kg of fuel contains exactly 75% carbon, so the amount of carbon dioxide produced by burning is slightly less. Gas is seen as a 'clean' fuel but it is only slightly cleaner than oil fuels, because 100 lb of methane still contains 75 lb of carbon.

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What shows the combustion of a hydrocarbon?

The combustion of a hydrocarbon produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) as byproducts. The chemical equation for the combustion of a hydrocarbon is typically hydrocarbon + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water. Heat and light are often given off during this exothermic reaction.


What gas is given off when you burn ethanol?

When ethanol is burned, it gives off carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O) as the main products.


A saturated straight-chain hydrocarbon with two carbons is?

Saturated hydrocarbon means that it does not have triple or double bonds between carbon atoms. An unsaturated hydrocarbon will have triple or double, or both types of bonds between carbons. You can saturate the unsaturated hydrocarbon by adding hydrogen atoms through a given reaction. -CH=CH- + H2 -----> -CH2-CH2- Saturation does not have to be with hydrogen, it can be with chlorine, Cl2, for example.


Is isobutane a good example of a branch chain hydrocarbon?

Yes, isobutane is a good example of a branch chain hydrocarbon because it contains branches, or side chains, in its molecular structure. In the case of isobutane, it has one branch off the main carbon chain, making it a branch chain hydrocarbon.


When you burn Super Glue what toxic gas is given off?

When Super Glue is burned, it can release toxic fumes such as hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide. These gases can be harmful when inhaled and should be avoided by using the glue in a well-ventilated area and following safety guidelines.

Related Questions

What shows the combustion of a hydrocarbon?

The combustion of a hydrocarbon produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) as byproducts. The chemical equation for the combustion of a hydrocarbon is typically hydrocarbon + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water. Heat and light are often given off during this exothermic reaction.


What compound is always given off when a substance burns?

There is no deffinite answer. If Sulfur burms SO2 is given off. If Magnesium burns, MgO is produced. If a hydrocarbon burns Carbon Dioxide and water are given off.


What is made when hydrocarbon fuels burn?

Co2+h2o


What shows a combustion of a hydrocarbon?

It is when you burn Oxygen. Here are equations. Hydrocarbon + Oxygen --> Carbon Dioxide + Water Hydrocarbon + Oxygen --> Carbon Monoxide + Water


Show the combustion of a hydrocarbon?

It is when you burn Oxygen. Here are equations. Hydrocarbon + Oxygen --> Carbon Dioxide + Water Hydrocarbon + Oxygen --> Carbon Monoxide + Water


Why do modern cars burn hydrocarbon fuels in their engines?

Hydrocarbon fuels are energy dense, easily transported, relatively cheap.


What type of energy is given off when burn fuels?

Heat and light.


Why do most modern cars burn hydrocarbon fuels in their engines?

Hydrocarbon fuels are energy dense, easily transported, relatively cheap.


Besides water and carbon dioxide what else is produced when you burn hydrocarbon?

Besides these Energy is produced.


Is carbon dioxide given off when fuel is burnt in oxygen?

Yes fuel gives off CO2! Any Hydrocarbon produces CO_2 when combusted. The only fuel that does not produce CO_2 when combusted is Hydrogen


IS LUBE OIL FLAMMABLE?

Some are and some are not. Hydrocarbon based lubricants and greases will burn very easily. Silicone and PEG based versions do not burn easily at all.


What is a hydrocarbon chain called when it is bent?

A hydrocarbon chain that is bent is called a branched hydrocarbon chain. This means that the carbon atoms in the chain are not arranged in a linear fashion, but rather have additional side chains branching off.