Combustion Reaction

The vigorous and exothermic reaction that takes place between certain substances, particularly organic compounds, and oxygen.

For the cumbustion of a hydrocarbon in air we have the simple equation:

Fuel + Air → Heat + Water + Carbon dioxide + Nitrogen

Carbon

C + O₂ → CO₂

2C + O₂ → 2CO

Hydrogen

2H₂ + 2O₂ → 2H₂O

Magnesium

2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO

Methane

CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O

Methanol

CH₃OH + O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O

See also: Complete Combustion, Emissions, Exothermic, Oxygen.