Methane is city gas 🌆.
It is a fuel 🔥.
It is made of methane molecules with the formula CH4.
A methane molecule contains one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
Methane is city gas 🌆.
It is a fuel 🔥.
It is made of methane molecules with the formula CH4.
A methane molecule contains one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
Complete methane combustion ✅
Incomplete methane combustion ⚠️
By comparing the chemical species that enter and leave the Bunsen burner, we deduce that:
During complete methane combustion, methane and dioxygen are consumed, and water and carbon dioxide are formed.
During incomplete methane combustion, methane and dioxygen are consumed, and water, carbon, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide are formed.
Carbon monoxide, with formula CO, is a deadly gas ☠️. Gas cookers must therefore be checked carefully. If the flame is not blue, the gas cooker is not adjusted correctly.
With carbon, butane, or propane, combustion may be complete or incomplete, with carbon monoxide and carbon forming in the latter case.
Chemical test for water 💧
A clean beaker is placed above the flame. Mist forms very quickly. The mist consists of very small water droplets.
Chemical test for carbon 🧫
A clean plate is placed above the flame. After a few seconds, the black stain that forms is carbon.
💡 Ready to test your knowledge?