Does the Carbon in a hydrocarbon do anything?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the role of carbon in hydrocarbons during combustion, specifically whether carbon contributes to energy production and how it compares to hydrogen in this process. Participants explore the mechanisms of energy release in combustion reactions involving hydrocarbons and the implications for energy production.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the significance of carbon in hydrocarbons during combustion, asking if it contributes to energy release.
  • Others argue that energy is derived from both the oxidation of carbon and hydrogen when hydrocarbons are burned.
  • A participant suggests that burning pure carbon (coal) still produces significant energy, indicating that carbon does play a role in energy generation.
  • There is a discussion about whether more energy is released from the formation of CO2 or H2O during combustion.
  • Some participants express confusion about the classification of coal as a hydrocarbon and its implications for energy production.
  • One participant mentions practical experience with grilling over charcoal to illustrate the heat produced from burning carbon.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the relative energy contributions from the oxidation of carbon and the formation of water, with emphasis on the dependence on the specific hydrocarbon involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the role of carbon in energy production during combustion. While some acknowledge its contribution, others emphasize the importance of hydrogen, leading to an unresolved discussion regarding the relative energy contributions from carbon and hydrogen.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the specific conditions under which energy release is evaluated, as well as potential misunderstandings about the classification of coal and its properties as a hydrocarbon.

Jbcourt
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Does the Carbon in a hydrocarbon do anything for combustion?
 
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Please elaborate, question as posted doesn't make much sense.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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?
 
Jbcourt said:
Is there any energy gain from the greation of the oxidized carbon?

So, you're basically asking if burning coal releases energy?
 
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
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?
 
Yes, I have
 
  • #10
And you still ask if burning carbon produces heat?

--
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
 

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