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Chemistry · Paper 2 · Foundation + Higher · C9

How burning fuels produces pollutants

Key ideas1 of 3

Complete or incomplete combustion?

With enough oxygen, complete combustion of a hydrocarbon produces carbon dioxide and water. With limited oxygen, incomplete combustion can produce carbon monoxide and soot (carbon particles), as well as water and sometimes CO₂. Unburned hydrocarbons may also be released.

Complete hydrocarbon combustion makes carbon dioxide and water. Limited oxygen can give carbon monoxide, soot and water, with some carbon dioxide.

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Foundation + Higher · C9. All C9 lessons are shared by Foundation and Higher Tier.

AQA Combined Science Trilogy 8464 · 5.9.3.1. Original notes, questions and diagrams. Models are simplified; illustrative data are labelled.