Why would the incomplete combustion of a hydrovarbon in an enclosed area be dangerous?
2007-06-07 08:49:52 · 6 answers · asked by flowers4eden 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
should read "hydrocarbon"
2007-06-07 08:50:44 · update #1
When you have a hydrocarbon combusting in a closed areas, an alternate incomplete combustion process occurs since the oxygen supply is limited. Instead of CO2 forming, CO (carbon monoxide) forms. This is a very dangerous odorless, colorless, gas that can be fatal is inhaled.
Actually this how most people in enclosed rooms die when the room is on fire. The limited oxygen produces this gas and the victim dies by breathing it much before the fire burns him or her.
2007-06-07 08:56:28 · answer #1 · answered by Max Smyles 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, the folks above have a point about the CO issue, but also if the hydrocarbon is not fully combusted (and it didn't mention methane - but assume it did) - the CO2 and CO will replace all the O2 in the enclosed room and make the air unbreathable - the people will suffocate!
2007-06-07 09:08:30 · answer #2 · answered by Dr Dave P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CH4+2 O2 >> CO2 +2 H2O( complete combustion )
2CH4 +3 O2 >2 CO + 2H2O ( incomplete combustion )
As you can seen in the first case the ratio between CH4 and O2 is 1:2 , in the 2nd case the ratio is 2 : 3.
In this case the product of the reaction is CO that is dangerous and can be fatal if inhaled
2007-06-07 08:57:23 · answer #3 · answered by Dr.A 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of the Carbon Monoxide released to the air, that eventually makes an unbreathable condition
2007-06-07 09:04:13 · answer #4 · answered by mimi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The formation of toxic carbon monoxide is the problem.
2007-06-07 08:56:15 · answer #5 · answered by Gervald F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hydro carbons, unburned gases, compression stroke. carbon monoxide, burned gases, exhaust stroke.
2016-05-19 02:09:14 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋