Combustion Reaction Calculator

Balance, Products, Oxygen & Energy

Enter a fuel formula (e.g., C3H8, CH4, C2H5OH), amount, and optional oxygen. Instantly get the balanced equation, product amounts, oxygen used, and energy released.

Combustion Reaction Examples

Try these real-world combustion scenarios

Methane Combustion

Combustion

Complete combustion of 2 mol methane (CH4) with excess oxygen.

Fuel: CH4

Amount: 2

Unit: mol

Oxygen:

Oxygen Unit: mol

Enthalpy (kJ/mol): -890

Propane with Limited Oxygen

Combustion

Combustion of 1 mol propane (C3H8) with 4 mol O2 (limiting).

Fuel: C3H8

Amount: 1

Unit: mol

Oxygen: 4

Oxygen Unit: mol

Enthalpy (kJ/mol): -2220

Ethanol Combustion (by mass)

Combustion

Combustion of 46 g ethanol (C2H5OH) with excess oxygen.

Fuel: C2H5OH

Amount: 46

Unit: g

Oxygen:

Oxygen Unit: g

Enthalpy (kJ/mol): -1367

Glucose Combustion (volume)

Combustion

Combustion of 22.4 L glucose (C6H12O6, gas, STP) with excess oxygen.

Fuel: C6H12O6

Amount: 22.4

Unit: l

Oxygen:

Oxygen Unit: l

Enthalpy (kJ/mol): -2800

Other Titles
Understanding Combustion Reaction Calculator: A Comprehensive Guide
Mastering combustion equations, oxygen use, and product prediction

What is a Combustion Reaction?

  • Definition and General Formula
  • Types of Fuels and Products
  • Importance in Chemistry and Industry
A combustion reaction is a chemical process where a substance (usually a hydrocarbon or alcohol) reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy. The general formula is: CxHy + O2 → CO2 + H2O.
Combustion in Everyday Life

Common Combustion Reactions

  • Burning methane in a stove: CH4 + 2 O2 → CO2 + 2 H2O
  • Combustion of ethanol in car engines: C2H5OH + 3 O2 → 2 CO2 + 3 H2O

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Calculator

  • Inputting the Fuel Formula
  • Selecting Amount and Units
  • Interpreting Results
To use the calculator, enter the fuel's chemical formula or select a common fuel. Specify the amount and unit, and optionally provide available oxygen and enthalpy. The tool will balance the equation and calculate all products and reactants.
User-Friendly Interface

Calculator Usage Examples

  • Input: C3H8, 1 mol → Output: 3 CO2, 4 H2O, 5 O2 used
  • Input: C2H5OH, 46 g → Output: 2 CO2, 3 H2O, 3 O2 used

Real-World Applications of Combustion Calculations

  • Environmental Impact (CO2 Emissions)
  • Energy Production and Efficiency
  • Industrial and Laboratory Uses
Combustion calculations are vital for estimating CO2 emissions, optimizing fuel use, and maximizing energy output in power plants, vehicles, and industrial processes.
Practical Importance

Real-World Scenarios

  • Calculating CO2 output for environmental reports
  • Determining fuel needs for a generator

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Balancing Equations Properly
  • Limiting Reactant Analysis
  • Energy Calculations
A common mistake is to forget to balance the equation or ignore the limiting reactant. Always ensure the equation is balanced and check if oxygen is limiting. For energy, use the correct enthalpy value per mole of fuel.
Avoiding Calculation Errors

Misconceptions vs. Correct Methods

  • Incorrect: C3H8 + O2 → CO2 + H2O (not balanced)
  • Correct: C3H8 + 5 O2 → 3 CO2 + 4 H2O

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • Stoichiometry of Combustion
  • Mole-to-Mass and Volume Conversions
  • Energy Released Calculation
The calculator uses stoichiometry to balance the equation and convert between moles, mass, and volume. Energy released is calculated using the enthalpy of combustion and the amount of fuel burned.
Sample Calculations

Mathematical Examples

  • 1 mol C3H8 + 5 mol O2 → 3 mol CO2 + 4 mol H2O; Energy: 1 × -2220 = -2220 kJ
  • 46 g C2H5OH (1 mol) + 3 mol O2 → 2 mol CO2 + 3 mol H2O; Energy: 1 × -1367 = -1367 kJ