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Difference Between Complete Combustion and Incomplete Combustion
Combustion is a chemical reaction that occurs between fuel and an oxidizing agent, usually oxygen, resulting in the production of heat, light, and various by-products. When it comes to the process of combustion, two terms frequently used are complete combustion and incomplete combustion. While both are a form of combustion, there are several significant differences between the two. In this essay, we will explore the differences between complete combustion and incomplete combustion.
What is Complete Combustion?
Complete combustion occurs when a fuel burns in the presence of an adequate amount of oxygen, leading to the formation of carbon dioxide and water. This reaction is often considered to be the ideal combustion reaction since it produces maximum heat and a minimum amount of pollutants. Complete combustion is also known as clean combustion since the products produced by this reaction are non-toxic and non-polluting. Examples of fuels that undergo complete combustion include methane, natural gas, and propane.
What is Incomplete Combustion?
Incomplete combustion, on the other hand, occurs when a fuel burns in the absence of an adequate amount of oxygen. This reaction produces products such as carbon monoxide, carbon, and water vapor, as well as various other pollutants, including unburnt fuel. Incomplete combustion is considered to be an undesirable combustion reaction since it produces lower heat and more pollutants than complete combustion. Examples of fuels that undergo incomplete combustion include coal, wood, and gasoline.
Differences: Complete Combustion and Incomplete Combustion
One significant difference between complete combustion and incomplete combustion is the amount of heat produced. Complete combustion produces a higher amount of heat than incomplete combustion. This is because in complete combustion, the fuel is entirely oxidized, leading to the release of more energy than in incomplete combustion, where only a portion of the fuel undergoes oxidation. The higher amount of heat produced by complete combustion makes it the preferred type of combustion for most applications.
Another difference between the two types of combustion is the amount of pollutants produced. Complete combustion produces a minimal amount of pollutants since the products produced by this reaction are non-toxic and non-polluting. Incomplete combustion, on the other hand, produces a high amount of pollutants, including carbon monoxide, which is a poisonous gas that can cause severe health problems. Carbon monoxide is produced in incomplete combustion because the fuel does not burn entirely, leading to the production of carbon monoxide instead of carbon dioxide.
Furthermore, the products produced by complete combustion and incomplete combustion differ significantly. In complete combustion, the products produced are carbon dioxide and water. In contrast, in incomplete combustion, the products produced are carbon monoxide, carbon, and water vapor, as well as various other pollutants such as unburnt fuel. The difference in the products produced by the two types of combustion is crucial since it can impact the environment and human health.
The following table highlights the major differences between Complete Combustion and Incomplete Combustion −
Characteristics |
Complete Combustion |
Incomplete Combustion |
|---|---|---|
Oxidant |
Complete combustion occurs when there is a sufficient and adequate supply of the oxidant. |
incomplete combustion occurs when there is an insufficient and inadequate supply of the oxidant. |
Hydrocarbon combustion |
Complete combustion of hydrocarbons will result in the production of carbon dioxide and water. |
an incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons will result in the production of carbon monoxide and water |
Flame |
In complete combustion a blue flame is produced. |
In incomplete combustion a yellow or orange flame is usually produced. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, complete combustion and incomplete combustion are two types of combustion that differ significantly. Complete combustion occurs when a fuel burns in the presence of an adequate amount of oxygen, leading to the formation of carbon dioxide and water. Incomplete combustion, on the other hand, occurs when a fuel burns in the absence of an adequate amount of oxygen, producing products such as carbon monoxide, carbon, and water vapor, as well as various other pollutants, including unburnt fuel.
The differences between the two types of combustion are crucial since they impact the amount of heat produced, the amount of pollutants produced, and the products formed. Complete combustion is the preferred type of combustion since it produces more heat and fewer pollutants than incomplete combustion.
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