Welcome to the world of complete combustion, where molecules mingle and react in a mesmerizing display of chemistry in action. In this episode with Rachel Kaiser, we'll take you on a journey through the magical realm of combustion.

Complete combustion occurs when a fuel (usually hydrocarbon-based) reacts with an adequate supply of oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) as the only products. The reaction is represented by the general equation:

Fuel+Oxygen→Carbon Dioxide+Water+EnergyFuel+Oxygen→Carbon Dioxide+Water+Energy

For example, the complete combustion of methane (CH4) can be represented by the equation:

CH4(𝑔)+2O2(𝑔)→CO2(𝑔)+2H2O(𝑔)+EnergyCH4​(g)+2O2​(g)→CO2​(g)+2H2​O(g)+Energy

In this reaction, one molecule of methane reacts with two molecules of oxygen to produce one molecule of carbon dioxide and two molecules of water, along with releasing energy.

Complete combustion is characterized by a clean, efficient burning process that maximizes the energy released and minimizes the production of harmful by-products such as carbon monoxide (CO) and soot. Sound complicated? Hang out with Rachel and I as she breaks it down into bitesize nuggets of clarity.