IGCSEScienceEdexcelScience (Double Award) (Modular)Chemistry Unit 2Revision Notes6. Inorganic Chemistry: Part 2Gases in the atmosphereCombustion of Elements

Combustion of Elements (Edexcel IGCSE Science (Double Award) (Modular)): Revision Note

Exam code: 4XSD1

Philippa Platt

Written by: Philippa Platt

Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll

Updated on

Edexcel Science (Double Award) (Modular): Chemistry Unit 2Edexcel Chemistry (Modular): Unit 2Edexcel Science (Double Award): ChemistryEdexcel Chemistry

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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Author
Reviewer
Philippa Platt

Author: Philippa Platt

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener

Caroline Carroll

Reviewer: Caroline Carroll

Expertise: Physics & Chemistry Subject Lead

Caroline graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Chemistry and Molecular Physics. She spent several years working as an Industrial Chemist in the automotive industry before retraining to teach. Caroline has over 12 years of experience teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry and physics. She is passionate about creating high-quality resources to help students achieve their full potential.