IGCSEChemistryEdexcelChemistry (Modular)Unit 2Revision Notes6. Inorganic Chemistry: Part 2Gases in the atmosphereCombustion of Elements

Combustion of Elements (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Modular))

Revision Note

Philippa Platt

Expertise

Chemistry

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)

Exam Tip

Combustion reactions can also be classified as oxidation reactions.

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    Philippa Platt

    Author: Philippa Platt

    Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener