A combustion reaction involves a substance reacting rapidly with oxygen, typically producing heat and light. These reactions often result in the formation of carbon dioxide and water.
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Combustion reactions are exothermic, meaning they release energy as heat.
The general form of a combustion reaction is: hydrocarbon + O\(_2\) → CO\(_2\) + H\(_2\)O.
Complete combustion occurs when there is sufficient oxygen, producing CO\(_2\) and H\(_2\)O.
Incomplete combustion happens with limited oxygen supply, often yielding CO or C (soot) along with H\(_2\)O.
Balancing combustion reactions requires ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides of the equation.