What are the combustion products of ethanol?

The combustion products of ethanol are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

When ethanol (C2H5OH) is burned in the presence of oxygen, it undergoes a chemical reaction known as combustion. This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases energy in the form of heat and light. The products of this reaction are carbon dioxide and water, which are formed as the carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the ethanol molecule are rearranged.

The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of ethanol is:

C2H5OH(l) + 3O2(g) → 2CO2(g) + 3H2O(l)

This equation tells us that one molecule of liquid ethanol reacts with three molecules of gaseous oxygen to produce two molecules of gaseous carbon dioxide and three molecules of liquid water. The (l) and (g) symbols indicate the states of the substances: liquid and gas, respectively.

The combustion of ethanol, like other alcohols, is a common reaction used in many applications, from heating and cooking to powering vehicles. It's also a key reaction in the production of energy in the human body. When we consume alcoholic beverages, our bodies metabolise the ethanol, essentially 'burning' it in a controlled way to produce energy.

Understanding the combustion of ethanol and other alcohols is an important part of IGCSE Chemistry. It's not just about memorising the chemical equation, but also understanding what it represents: the breaking and forming of chemical bonds, the conservation of mass and energy, and the practical applications of these reactions.