Combustion (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry): Revision Note
Exam code: 4CH1
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) → SO2 (g) |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Combustion reactions can also be classified as oxidation reactions.
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