Does the Carbon in a hydrocarbon do anything?

In summary: So burning coal releases more energy than just burning hydrogen?In summary, burning hydrocarbons does release energy, however, it is dependent on the specific hydrocarbon being burned.
  • #1
Jbcourt
22
0
Does the Carbon in a hydrocarbon do anything for combustion?
 
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  • #2
Please elaborate, question as posted doesn't make much sense.
 
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  • #3
Okay, when burning hydrocarbon during combustion the power comes from the creation of a water molecule and the carbon just oxyidizes to either CO or CO2. Is there any energy gain from the greation of the oxidized carbon?
If not then what the point of using hydrocarbon for combustion? Why not just pure Hydrogen?
 
  • #4
Jbcourt said:
Is there any energy gain from the greation of the oxidized carbon?

So, you're basically asking if burning coal releases energy?
 
  • #5
Carbon when combined with oxygen make energy? Or when hydrogen when combined with Oxygen make energy? Is the hydrocarbon a great way to get hydrogen and that's why we (humans) use it for energy production?
 
  • #6
The energy when burning hydro-carbons comes from BOTH the oxidization of carbon and the hydrogen. In fact, burning pure carbon (coal) still produces a lot of energy.

Hydrogen rich hydro-carbons are considered good fuel sources because they release more energy per CO2 produced because the energy released in the formation of water.
 
  • #7
Thank you so much Hologram!
Is more energy released from the CO2 creation or the H2O reaction?
BTW I thought coal was a hydrocarbon. Thanx for setting straight.
 
  • #8
Jbcourt said:
Carbon when combined with oxygen make energy?

Have you ever grilled a steak over charcoal? Or at least eat one grilled over charcoal?
 
  • #9
Yes, I have
 
  • #10
And you still ask if burning carbon produces heat?

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methods
 
  • #11
I undersand that burning carbon makes heat. So oxidizing carbon release more energy than the water making reaction.
 
  • #12
Jbcourt said:
So oxidizing carbon release more energy than the water making reaction.
That isn't what he said. They both release heat. The relative amount of heat from each depends on the specific hydrocarbon. They are both important.
 
  • #13
Okay I understand now
 

1. What is the role of carbon in a hydrocarbon?

The carbon in a hydrocarbon is the backbone of the molecule and is responsible for its unique properties. Carbon has the ability to form strong bonds with other elements, allowing for a wide variety of hydrocarbons to exist.

2. Does the carbon in a hydrocarbon affect its reactivity?

Yes, the carbon in a hydrocarbon plays a significant role in its reactivity. The number of bonds carbon forms with other elements can determine how reactive the hydrocarbon is. For example, a hydrocarbon with double or triple bonds will be more reactive than one with only single bonds.

3. Can the carbon in a hydrocarbon be modified to change its properties?

Yes, the carbon in a hydrocarbon can be modified through chemical reactions to alter its properties. For example, adding or removing functional groups to the carbon backbone can change the hydrocarbon's solubility, boiling point, and other physical and chemical properties.

4. How does the structure of the carbon in a hydrocarbon affect its behavior?

The structure of the carbon in a hydrocarbon can greatly impact its behavior. The arrangement of carbon atoms and the types of bonds formed between them can determine the hydrocarbon's stability, reactivity, and other properties.

5. Is the carbon in a hydrocarbon essential for life?

Yes, the carbon in a hydrocarbon is essential for life. Carbon is a key element in organic compounds, which are the building blocks of all living organisms. Without the carbon in hydrocarbons, life as we know it would not exist.

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