This definitions covers Key Definitions within Combustion for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Combustion in Organic Chemistry for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 7 of 12 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Topic position
Section 7 of 12
Practice
20 questions
Recall
15 flashcards
📖 Key Definitions
Complete combustion: The reaction of a fuel with excess (plentiful) oxygen, producing only carbon dioxide and water as products, with maximum energy release. Produces a blue, clean flame.
Incomplete combustion: The reaction of a fuel with limited oxygen, producing carbon monoxide (CO) and/or solid carbon (soot) in addition to water. Produces a yellow/orange smoky flame and less energy than complete combustion.
Carbon monoxide (CO): A toxic, colourless, odourless gas produced during incomplete combustion. It binds to haemoglobin in red blood cells more strongly than oxygen, preventing oxygen transport and causing death.