Burning hydrocarbons
I can write balanced symbol equations for combustion reactions, and describe the difference between complete and incomplete combustion.
Burning hydrocarbons
I can write balanced symbol equations for combustion reactions, and describe the difference between complete and incomplete combustion.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Combustion is the chemical combination of a substance with oxygen, involving the production of heat and light.
- Complete combustion of fuels (like hydrocarbons) involve the production of carbon dioxide and water.
- The chemical test for oxygen is a combustion reaction, involving relighting a glowing splint.
- Incomplete combustion produces carbon particulates (soot) and carbon monoxide due to reduced oxygen levels.
Keywords
Combustion - Combustion is an exothermic reaction where a substance reacts with oxygen.
Complete combustion - The complete combustion of fuels, such as hydrocarbons, occurs when enough oxygen is present to convert all the fuel into carbon dioxide and water.
Hydrocarbons - Hydrocarbons are compounds containing only hydrogen and carbon atoms.
Incomplete combustion - Incomplete combustion is when a substance reacts only partially with oxygen, such as when carbon burns in air, producing carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and soot (unburnt carbon).
Common misconception
All combustion is complete, producing only CO₂ and water.
Highlight the differences between complete and incomplete combustion.
To help you plan your year 11 combined science lesson on: Burning hydrocarbons, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 combined science lesson on: Burning hydrocarbons, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Atmosphere and changing climate unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
molecules made of hydrogen and carbon atoms only
the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products formed
chemical reactions in which thermal energy is given out
fuels made over millions of years from dead plants and animals