My Textbook Wrong? Chemical Change Examples Explained

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the chemical reaction involved in rocket propulsion, specifically the combustion of hydrogen and oxygen. The correct reaction is represented by the equation 2H2 + O2 = H2O + heat, confirming that the textbook is accurate in stating that the reaction produces hot water vapor, which propels the shuttle forward. The misconception that hydrogen is ignited to create a blast is addressed, emphasizing that the "blast" is a result of the chemical reaction itself.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic chemical reactions
  • Familiarity with combustion processes
  • Knowledge of the chemical equation for water formation
  • Concept of energy release in exothermic reactions
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  • Study the principles of combustion in chemistry
  • Learn about exothermic reactions and energy release
  • Explore the role of water vapor in rocket propulsion
  • Investigate the chemical properties of hydrogen and oxygen
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Students studying chemistry, educators teaching chemical reactions, and individuals interested in aerospace engineering and rocket propulsion.

Ki Man
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okay in my textbook in the section where it gives examples of chemical changes, it shows a space shuttle and says that when the hydrogen and oxygen meet and create hot water vapors which propel it foreward. this goes agaist almost everything I've learned and thought so far, and i always thought that the hydrogen was ignited when it met with the oxygen to create a blast that will propell the rocket foreward, which one is right, me or the science book.
 
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The book is right. The chemical reaction is 2H2 + 02 = H20 + heat i believe. the "blast" is basically the chemical reaction.
 
:rolleyes: i thought the hydrogen was ignited instead of turned into vapors
 
What, exactly, do you think combustion means?
 

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