What happens when a hydrocarbon combusts?

1 Answer
anor277
Jul 18, 2016

#C-H#, #C-H#, and #O=O# bonds break; #O-H# and #C=O# bonds form.

Explanation:

Bond making is an exothermic process, whereas bond breaking is an endothermic process. Because the bonds made in combustion are STRONG (i.e. #O-H# and #C=O# bonds), combustion reactions are in general quite exothermic, and the heat may be utilized to do useful work.

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