Difference between combustible substance and a supporter of combustion

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between combustible substances and supporters of combustion. A combustible substance, such as methane, is a material that burns, while a supporter of combustion, like oxygen (O2), is an oxidizer that facilitates the burning process. Participants also explored a thought experiment involving a Bunsen burner and pure methane, emphasizing the theoretical aspects of combustion without practical application.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic chemistry concepts, specifically combustion reactions.
  • Familiarity with the role of oxidizers in chemical reactions.
  • Knowledge of gas properties, particularly methane and oxygen.
  • Awareness of laboratory equipment, such as Bunsen burners.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the chemical properties of methane and its combustion process.
  • Learn about the role of oxidizers in combustion reactions.
  • Investigate safe experimental setups for demonstrating combustion.
  • Explore advanced concepts in thermodynamics related to combustion efficiency.
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and anyone interested in the principles of combustion and chemical reactions.

americast
Messages
27
Reaction score
0
This is driving me insane:-----

What is the difference between a combustible substance and a supporter of combustion?

Thanx in advance...
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
A combustible substance is something that burns a supporter of combustion is an oxidizer like O2.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Traxfam said:
A combustible substance is something that burns a supporter of combustion is an oxidizer like O2.

Thanx... I had already got the answer from a chemistry forum. Physics forums was a little too late... :D
 
So what did you find? I'm always interested in unimportant chemistry trivia.
 
The same thing, the one that oxidises is the combustible substance and the one that gets reduced in the supporter of combustion. I don't think its unimportant. None of my books could explain this simple thing...
 
An interesting demonstration would be to reverse the normal combustion arrangement.

A thought experiment only...don't try it in real life.

Have a room filled with pure methane or natural gas, and introduce into it a Bunsen burner fed with no gas but just compressed air. Light the Bunsen with an electric spark, and see whether you can boil a beaker of water over this air flame.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
23
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K