Question

In the combustion of hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide is formed. What has occured?

Answer 1

An incomplete combustion happened in the combustion of a hydrocarbon where carbon monoxide is produced. It happens when there is not enough oxygen to combust the hydrocarbon. The opposite is the complete combustion where CO2 and H2O is formed.

Answer 2

Answer: This is an incomplete combustion reaction.

Explanation:

Combustion reaction is defined as the reaction in which a hydrocarbon produces carbon dioxide gas and water molecule when reacted with oxygen gas. General equation for this reaction is:

$\text{Hydrocarbon}+O_2(g)\rightarrow CO_2(g)+H_2O(l)$

Incomplete combustion is also a reaction between oxygen and hydrocarbon in which the products obtained are carbon monoxide, water and carbon. This type of combustion happens when there is insufficient supply of oxygen gas. General equation for this reaction is:

$\text{Hydrocarbon}+O_2(g)\rightarrow CO(g)+H_2O(l)+C(s)$

Hence, the hydrocarbon is undergoing an incomplete combustion reaction.