Is This Reaction Truly Combustion?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on whether specific chemical reactions involving ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) can be classified as combustion reactions. Participants explore the definitions and criteria for combustion, particularly in relation to the presence of oxygen and the production of heat and light. The reactions in question involve NH4NO3 reacting with heat and zinc, with a focus on the roles of oxidants and fuels.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions what is needed for combustion and seeks to determine if oxygen is involved in the reactions being studied.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on which specific reaction is being referred to, indicating a need for precision in the discussion.
  • A participant identifies the reactants and products of the reactions, suggesting that both reactions could be considered combustion, though they express uncertainty about the definitions used in educational contexts.
  • There is a suggestion that a reaction might only be defined as combustion if a fuel reacts with oxygen, but this is presented as a point of contention.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the reactions can be classified as combustion. There are competing views regarding the necessity of oxygen in defining combustion and the specific nature of the reactions discussed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential ambiguities in the definitions of combustion and oxidation-reduction reactions, as well as the roles of different reactants. There is an indication that educational definitions may vary, which could influence participants' interpretations.

Soley101
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what is needed for combustion?

I have this experiment NH4NO3 reacts to form (with chlorine as catalyst) N2O and water

the experiment is called oxidation of zinc, so another equation is Zn and NH4NO3 react to form ZnO and water. Anyways, the result is a blue flame and smoke

Combustion is the production of heat and light when something reacts with oxygen. I know that all combustion reactions are automatically oxidation reduction reactions. But how do i determine if oxygen is being used in this reaction to fuel the flame. Basically, is theis a redox and combustion reaction.
 
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Soley101 said:
what is needed for combustion?

I have this experiment NH4NO3 reacts to form (with chlorine as catalyst) N2O and water

the experiment is called oxidation of zinc, so another equation is Zn and NH4NO3 react to form ZnO and water. Anyways, the result is a blue flame and smoke

Combustion is the production of heat and light when something reacts with oxygen. I know that all combustion reactions are automatically oxidation reduction reactions. But how do i determine if oxygen is being used in this reaction to fuel the flame. Basically, is theis a redox and combustion reaction.

Sorry, could you rephrase your question more precisely?
You want to know about:
NH4NO3 + heat --> N2O + 2H2O
or about:
NH4NO3 + Zn --> N2 + ZnO + 2H2O
or what exactly?
 
How do I know if this reaction is a combustion reACTION? wHERE DOES IT REACT WITH OXYGEN TO PRODUCE HEAT AND LIGHT.
 
Soley101 said:
How do I know if this reaction is a combustion reACTION? wHERE DOES IT REACT WITH OXYGEN TO PRODUCE HEAT AND LIGHT.
Which reaction of the ones I've written?

NH4NO3 + heat --> N2O + 2H2O
Fuel: NH4+ [to be more precise: nitrogen(-III) in NH4+]
Oxidant: NO3- [nitrogen(+V) in NO3-]

NH4NO3 + Zn --> N2 + ZnO + 2H2O
Fuel: NH4+ and Zn
Oxidant: NO3-

So, yes, they both are combustions, even the first one (AFAIK).

Anyway, maybe someone could define a reaction as "combustion" only if a fuel reacts with oxygen (it would sound strange to me); I don't know how they defined it in your school/books/ecc.
 
Last edited:

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