2007-02-07 10:23:05 · 3 answers · asked by edward852423 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Coal is formed of hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons combust in the presence of oxygen.
2007-02-07 20:47:41 · answer #1 · answered by dalman99uk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hydrocarbons are made up of carbon atoms which are bonded together, and hydrogen atoms which are bonded to the carbon atoms. When coal burns, these molecules react with molecules of oxygen (O2) to produce CO2 (carbon dioxide) and H2O (water).
For this to occur, the old C-C, C-H and O=O bonds must be broken, and new C=O and H-O bonds must be formed. Breaking bonds needs energy and making bonds releases energy. This is why you need to set fire to the coal - to put in energy so that some of the old bonds can be broken.
When the new bonds form and energy is released, some of this energy can cause more of the old bonds to break, and some of the energy you can sense as heat and light. The C=O and H-O bonds are very strong so more energy will be produced forming them than will be needed to break the old bonds.
2007-02-07 21:08:16 · answer #2 · answered by Josabelle 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you heard of sea coal,
does this have the same reaction???
2007-02-10 08:40:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋