• R1.3.1—Reactive metals, non-metals and organic compounds undergo combustion reactions when heated in oxygen.

  • Deduce equations for reactions of combustion, including hydrocarbons and alcohols.

• R1.3.2—Incomplete combustion of organic compounds, especially hydrocarbons, leads to the production of carbon monoxide and carbon.

  • Deduce equations for the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons and alcohols.

• R1.3.3—Fossil fuels include coal, crude oil and natural gas, which have different advantages and disadvantages.

  • Evaluate the amount of carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere when different fuels burn.

  • Understand the link between carbon dioxide levels and the greenhouse effect.

  • The tendency for incomplete combustion and energy released per unit mass should be covered.

• R1.3.4—Biofuels are produced from the biological fixation of carbon over a short period of time through photosynthesis.

  • Understand the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

  • Consider the advantages and disadvantages of biofuels.

  • The reactants and products of photosynthesis should be known.

• (COVERED IN R3.2 REDOX) R1.3.5—A fuel cell can be used to convert chemical energy from a fuel directly to electrical energy.

  • Deduce half-equations for the electrode reactions in a fuel cell.

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Reactivity 2.2—Why is high activation energy often considered to be a useful property of a fuel?

Reactivity 3.2—Which species are the oxidizing and reducing agents in a combustion reaction?

Inquiry 2—What might be observed when a fuel such as methane is burned in a limited supply of oxygen?

Reactivity 2.1—How does limiting the supply of oxygen in combustion affect the products and increase health risks?

Structure 3.2—Why do larger hydrocarbons have a greater tendency to undergo incomplete combustion?

AHL Structure 3.2—Why is carbon dioxide described as a greenhouse gas?

Nature of science, Reactivity 3.2—What are some of the environmental, economic, ethical and social implications of burning fossil fuels?