Fire Starter: Burning Reactions
Observe combustion as a chemical change.
What this lesson covers
Why it matters
A piece of charcoal glows red hot, consuming invisible air to vanish into thin gas.
The idea in plain words
Match the reactants (C + O₂) to the product (CO₂) and note the energy release.
Predict first
What happens to the carbon atoms when they burn in oxygen?
Combustion is a chemical change where carbon reacts with oxygen to form a new substance, carbon dioxide.
- They disappear completely, leaving nothing behind.
- They combine with oxygen atoms to form carbon dioxide. — correct
- They turn into ash, which is a new element.
- They melt into a black liquid.
What you do
Heat the carbon in the presence of oxygen. Observe the glow and the formation of gas.
Check yourself
Which equation correctly represents the burning of carbon?
The verified reaction data shows Carbon plus Oxygen gas yields Carbon Dioxide: C + O₂ → CO₂.
What is the primary observation during this reaction?
According to the reaction data, the specific observation is that the carbon 'glows red while burning'.
Why is combustion classified as a chemical change?
A chemical change is defined by the formation of new substances. Here, C and O₂ become CO₂.
- C + O₂ → CO
- C + O₂ → CO₂ — correct
- C + O → CO₂
- CO₂ → C + O₂
- A bright blue flame.
- The carbon glows red while burning. — correct
- The carbon turns into a white powder.
- No visible change occurs.
- Because it involves heat.
- Because a new substance (CO₂) is formed. — correct
- Because the carbon changes state from solid to gas.
- Because the reaction is fast.