Combustion Demonstrations - Homework
Name _____________________________________________
Science ____
Background: Anytime anything burns (in the usual sense), it is undergoing a combustion
reaction. Oxygen gas, O2, is necessary for combustion to proceed. When oxygen gas combines
with organic material (something that contains C, H and O) the products of reaction are carbon
dioxide and water. Matter is conserved; atoms are neither created nor destroyed during chemical
reaction. Chemists balance chemical equations to show that matter is conserved. You will
practice this skill on this worksheet.
To balance an equation:
a) Write correct symbols and formulas for the substances in the reaction. (This is done for you.)
b) Check for balance. See if the number of each kind of atom is equal on each side of the
equation.
c) If not in balance, write coefficients in front of symbols to balance the equation.
1. Demonstration - Combusting Hexane Down a Ramp
2C6H14 + 19O2  ____CO2 + ____H2O
2. Demonstration - Combusting Isopropyl Alcohol in a Plastic Water Jug
____CH3CHOHCH3 + 9O2  6CO2 + 8H2O
3. Demonstration - Combusting Hydrogen Gas in a Balloon
____H2 + O2  ____H2O
4. You have had experience drawing water molecules. Now, please draw Hexane (C6H14)
Combustion Demonstrations - Homework
More Balancing Practice - Balance the following equations. Remember that the number of
atoms should be the same on each side of the arrow.
5. Combusting Propane
C3H8 + ______O2  3CO2 + ______H2O
6. Combusting Methane
CH4 + ____O2  CO2 + 2H2O
7. Combusting Iron
4Fe + ____O2  ___Fe2O3
8. Combusting Glucose
C6H12O6+ ______O2  6CO2 + ______H2O
9. Anytime a substance burns, it is involved in a combustion reaction. What gas is always
necessary for a combustion reaction to take place? Draw your answer in the space below.
10. Wood as well as many common items that combust are organic; they are made up of
carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. What are the products of an organic combustion reaction?
Draw both molecules in the space below.
Combustion Demonstrations - Homework