A reading that introduces hydrocarbons, fossil fuels, and the products of combustion of different hydrocarbons such as carbon dioxide- a greenhouse gas.
Students will learn about the products of the combustion of different hydrocarbons. The reading includes an animation that shows the net reaction of hydrocarbon combustion. Students will learn to assess the potential costs and benefits of using different fossil fuels based on the amount of CO2 per molecule released during their combustion reactions.
Use this tool to help students find answers to:
- What are hydrocarbons? What types of hydrocarbons are found in commonly used fossil fuels?
- Explain how the burning of fossil fuels is a potential contributor to climate change?
About the Tool
Tool Name | Hydrocarbon Combustion |
Discipline | Chemistry, Environmental Sciences |
Topic(s) in Discipline | Hydrocarbons, Fossil fuels, Combustion reactions, Carbon dioxide, Carbon Chemistry, Greenhouse Effect |
Climate Topic | Climate and the Atmosphere |
Type of Tool | Reading |
Grade Level | High school |
Location | Global |
Language | English |
Translation | |
Developed by | J.M.K.C. Donev et al. (2018). Energy Education – Hydrocarbon combustion [Online] |
Hosted at | University of Calgary |
Link | Link |
Access | Online |
Computer Skills | Basic |