Combustion (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry: Double Science)

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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 Tip

Combustion reactions can also be classified as oxidation reactions.

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Stewart

Author: Stewart

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 Exam Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.