Combustion Reactions and Fossil Fuels

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to combustion reactions, fossil fuels, and alternative energy sources.

Combustion

A reaction in which an element or compound burns in oxygen.

Oxidising Agent

A substance that accepts electrons in a redox reaction; involves electron transfers to oxygen during combustion.

Reducing Agent

A substance that loses electrons in a redox reaction; the metal or non-metal element during combustion.

Soot

A product of incomplete combustion that causes respiratory problems.

Complete Combustion

The complete breaking of the carbon chain in an organic compound, producing carbon dioxide and water; products are fully oxidized.

Incomplete Combustion

Combustion that occurs when the supply of oxygen is limited or the compound has a high percentage of carbon content, leading to the production of carbon monoxide and carbon.

Catalytic Converters

Devices that fully oxidize carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and convert unburnt fuel to carbon dioxide and water.

Fossil Fuels

Include coal, crude oil, and natural gases, formed over millions of years from the decomposition of organic matter.

Specific Energy

Energy per unit mass (AHc / mass).

Energy Density

Energy per unit volume.

Coal

A combustible sedimentary rock formed from the remains of plant life subjected to geological heat and pressure.

Crude Oil

A complex mixture of straight-chain and branched-chain saturated alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatic compounds; an important raw material for fuel and chemical feedstock.

Natural Gas

Mainly methane, formed millions of years ago by the action of heat, pressure, and bacteria on buried organic compounds.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that allow shortwave radiation from the Sun to pass through the atmosphere but absorb longer wave infrared radiation re-radiated from the Earth's surface, contributing to global warming.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, using carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen.

Biofuels

Fuels produced from biological fixation of carbon over a short period of time; a renewable and sustainable energy source.

Ethanol

A biofuel made from biomass by fermenting plants high in starches and sugars.