Chemistry A-Level
incomplete combustion
What incomplete combustion means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of incomplete combustion
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain incomplete combustion in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
With a limited oxygen supply the carbon is only partly oxidised, giving carbon monoxide, or not oxidised at all, giving carbon as soot, while the hydrogen still becomes water.
Topics that use incomplete combustion
- Combustion of alkanes (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- acid rain
- acidic and basic oxides
- alkane fuels and uses
- bond enthalpy balance
- carbon dioxide trade-off
- carbon monoxide and soot
- damage to buildings and lakes
- errors in enthalpy of combustion
Using incomplete combustion in the exam
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