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IGCSEChemistryEdexcelRevision Notes2. Inorganic ChemistryGases in the AtmosphereCombustion

Combustion (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry)

Revision Note

Stewart Hird

Written by: Stewart Hird

Reviewed by: Lucy Kirkham

Edexcel ChemistryEdexcel Science (Double Award): ChemistryEdexcel Chemistry (Modular): Unit 2

Combustion

What is combustion?

  • Combustion is the scientific word for burning

  • All combustion reactions involve a chemical change in which oxygen reacts with elements or compounds to produce oxides

  • Combustion reactions give out heat, so they will always be exothermic reactions

  • You need to be able to describe the combustion reactions of magnesium, hydrogen and sulfur

The combustion reactions of Mg, H2 & S

Element

Observation during combustion

Symbol equation

Magnesium

Intense white flame

White powder produced (magnesium oxide)

2Mg (s) + O2 (g) → 2MgO (s)

Hydrogen

Exothermic

Water is produced

2H2 (g) + O2 (g) → 2H2O (g)

Sulfur

Blue flame

Colourless, poisonous gas produced

S (s) + O2 (g) → 2SO (g)

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Combustion reactions can also be classified as oxidation reactions.

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Stewart Hird

    Author: Stewart Hird

    Expertise: Chemistry Lead

    Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.

    Lucy Kirkham

    Author: Lucy Kirkham

    Expertise: Head of STEM

    Lucy has been a passionate Maths teacher for over 12 years, teaching maths across the UK and abroad helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels.Working as a Head of Department and then Director of Maths, Lucy has advised schools and academy trusts in both Scotland and the East Midlands, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Maths teaching for all.