COMBUSTION OF HYDROCARBON FUEL

For any hydrocarbon fuel, we have

xC_nH_2n + 2 + yO₂ → aCO₂ + bH₂O

where x, y, a, and b are constants to be evaluated.

Equating the weights of C, H, and O on both sides of the equation, we have

xn = a

or a = xn

x(2n + 2) = 2b

or b = [x/2] (2n + 2) = x(n + 1)

 

2y = 2a + b

or y = a + [b/2] = xn + [x/2] (n + 1) = [x/2] (3n + 1)

Substituting there values in combustion equation, we get