Reading: Hydrocarbon Combustion

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:

  1. What are hydrocarbons? What types of hydrocarbons are found in commonly used fossil fuels?
  2. 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

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