Combustion Analysis
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Combustion Analysis
In a combustion analysis of an unknown compound do we always assume it only contains C, H, O ? How would we know if it contained something else too?
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Re: Combustion Analysis
Other elements can be involved in a combustion reaction. Usually it's that O2 is a reactant and the products must include CO2 and H2O. If there are other elements involved, we would be told in the problem.
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Re: Combustion Analysis
If it's combustion of a hydrocarbon it will be C and H for sure.
If you're given the products of the combustion you can assume that all the elements other than oxygen are for sure in the combusted substance. If the mass of all the elements other than oxygen in the products is less than the given mass of the reactant (the combusted substance) then the remaining mass of the reactant must be oxygen. You can look at the solution for M19 for an examples of this.
If you're given the products of the combustion you can assume that all the elements other than oxygen are for sure in the combusted substance. If the mass of all the elements other than oxygen in the products is less than the given mass of the reactant (the combusted substance) then the remaining mass of the reactant must be oxygen. You can look at the solution for M19 for an examples of this.
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Re: Combustion Analysis
Do C, H, and O all have to be present in order for it to be a combustion analysis problem, and will the problem state which elements are involved?
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Re: Combustion Analysis
The elements should be given in the problem. A good example of this kinda of in the textbook is problem M.19 in the fundamentals section. It indirectly lists which elements are in the sample based on the products of the reactions.
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Re: Combustion Analysis
The problem will most likely state which elements are involved in the combustion, but combustion usually occurs when a hydrocarbon reacts in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. Hence, the elements of C,H, and O are asked in the problem. Combustion/burning/oxidation of organic molecules is the same as oxidative metabolism: they all release energy.
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