A burning match will burn more vigorously in pure oxygen than in air because _________ . Select one: a. oxygen is a catalyst for
combustion b. nitrogen is a reactant in combustion and its low concentration in pure oxygen catalyzes the combustion c. oxygen is a product of combustion d. nitrogen is a product of combustion and the system reaches equilibrium at a lower temperature e. oxygen is a reactant in combustion and pure oxygen increases the reactant concentration
e. oxygen is a reactant in combustion and pure oxygen increases the reactant concentration
Explanation:
The reaction of a burning match is combustion. In this combustion, the organic components of the match (such as cellulose, C₆H₁₀O₅) react with oxygen, producing water and carbon dioxide:
C₆H₁₀O₅(s) + 6O₂(g) → 5H₂O(g) + 6CO₂(g)
Seeing as oxygen is a reactant and not a catalyst nor product, and that nitrogen plays no part in the reaction, <em>the only correct answer is option e</em>.
