Key Differences Between Complete and Incomplete Combustion

1. What They Mean:

   • Complete Combustion: This happens when a fuel burns completely with enough oxygen. It creates carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).

   • Incomplete Combustion: This occurs when there isn’t enough oxygen for the fuel to burn fully. It ends up making carbon monoxide (CO), soot (which are tiny carbon particles), and water (H₂O).

2. Chemical Reactions:

   • Complete Combustion:

     • Fuel + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water

   • Incomplete Combustion:

     • Fuel + Limited Oxygen → Carbon Monoxide + Water + Soot

3. Energy Produced:

   • Complete Combustion: Gives off a lot of energy, around 47 megajoules for every kilogram of fuel.

   • Incomplete Combustion: Produces less energy. This can mean wasted energy.

4. Effects on the Environment:

   • Complete Combustion: Produces cleaner emissions, which are better for the air.

   • Incomplete Combustion: Makes harmful byproducts like carbon monoxide, which can pollute the air and be dangerous.