What chemical changes occur within a piece of paper when it burns?

Answer 1

Paper is essentially a hydrocarbon, meaning its molecules are made from carbon and hydrogen (there may be some oxygen or other elements present, depending on the paper). The reaction of a hydrocarbon with oxygen is one type of combustion that most people just call "burning." The products of the combustion of any hydrocarbon are primarily carbon dioxide and water (in the form of steam). There's other products since air isn't purely oxygen and paper isn't purely hydrocarbons, but your most basic equation would be:

paper + oxygen --> carbon dioxide + steam

... or with symbols ...

a CxHy(s) + b O2(g) --> CO2(g) + d H2O(g)

... where a, b, c, and d are the stoichiometric coefficients, x and y are the specific composition of paper, and "(s)" means solid and "(g)" means gas.

For more info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrocarbon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combustion

Answer 2

When paper burns, the cellulose molecules break down into smaller compounds like carbon and water vapor through the process of combustion. The heat from the flame breaks the chemical bonds in the cellulose, releasing energy in the form of heat and light. The main products of this chemical reaction are carbon dioxide and water, along with some other byproducts like ash and soot.

Answer 3

Cellulose (C6H10O5)n + O2 ------> 6nCO2 + 5nH2O + heat

Answer 4

Co2

If paper is loaded with CaCO3 such as cigarette paper, CaCO3 decompose in to CaO and CO2

Answer 5

Paper contains Cellulose and water, cellulose being an organic compound is totally burn into carbon dioxide and water vapours.

Answer 6

Carbon dioxide and sulfur are two chemicals given off while burning paper. The CO2 comes from the flame, and sulfur dioxide comes from the ashes of the paper.

Answer 7

Carbon