Energy applications of chemical reactions
A combustion reaction is a reaction in which a pure substance reacts withoxygen, producing other different substances and releasing a large amountof energy. We call the substance that reacts with oxygen a fuel.
The simplest combustion reaction to analyse is the combustion of carbon,which we will see next.
Any combustion needs the presence of oxygen to take place. But we must also apply asmall heat source so that the bonds between the carbon atoms break; then, the oxygenatoms capture a carbon atom, and a carbon dioxide molecule is formed, releasing a largeamount of heat and light.
Combustion of carbon
Carbon (graphite)
C
O2
Light and heat
CO2