DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL, (JOKA) SOUTH KOLKATA

Subject: Chemistry Class: VIII

Chapter : Combustion and Flame
Model Questions and Answers
Prepared by- Madhusree Barick

1. When a candle burns, is it possible to get the wax back

(a) after the wax melts?
(b) after the wax burns?

Candle is a solid cylindrical block of wax with a wick embedded in it.

a) A candle starts melting when it comes in contact with the heat of the flame.
The change in shape and size of the candle takes place. This indicates a
physical change from solid state to liquid state. It is possible to get the wax
back after it melts.
b) A wax candle acts as a fuel when we burn the candle. It is basically carbon.
The wax oxidises (burns) in the flame to yield water and carbon dioxide, which
dissipate in the air around the candle in a reaction, which also yields light and
heat. The unburnt carbon is deposited as a black substance called soot. This
signifies a chemical change. It is not possible to get the wax back after it burns.

2. Why do we wrap a blanket around a person whose clothes have

caught fire?

For a fire to burn, heat, fuel, oxygen all three elements must be present. If any
of these is cut off, fire will be put out. When a fire blanket completely
surrounds the person whose clothes caught fire, it seals the person’s body
surface around the fire and cuts off the oxygen supply to the fire; thereby,
putting out the fire . Thus, fire blanket acts as a fire extinguisher and stops the
fire from spreading.

3. A flame always points upwards. Why do you think this is so?

Hot gas is generally less dense than cool gas. Flame is a very hot gas. As the

flame burns, it takes the oxygen from the atmospheric air and heats the
surrounding atmospheric gases. Therefore, the hot air around the flame is
pushed up because it is less dense. As the air around the flame is pushed up,
the air around the flame is drawn towards the flame to take the space of the
lighter gases, which are pushed up. Meanwhile, the surrounding cold air is
pulled down by gravity and the flame is pressurized all around by the
atmospheric gases. This elongates the flame upward.

4. Name and give chemical equations to show the products of the

combustion reaction in
(a) limited supply of air.
(b) sufficient supply of air.

(a) limited supply of air

If the supply of air is limited, it can result in incomplete combustion, which, in
turn, produces carbon monoxide gas instead of carbon dioxide gas.

2CH4+3O2 →2CO+4H2O

(b) Sufficient supply of air

If the supply of air is sufficient, it can result in complete combustion. The

reactants burn in oxygen and produce a limited number of products. When
hydrocarbons burn in oxygen, the reaction primarily yields carbon dioxide and
water.

CH4+2O2 →CO2+2H2O
 5. Distinguish between combustible and non-combustible substances,
giving three examples of each.
Combustible Non-combustible
Substances Substances

1. The substances
1. The substances
that are not
that are capable
capable of
of catching fire
catching fire and
and burning are
burning are known
known as
as non-
combustible
combustible
substances.
substances.
2. Examples: Coal,
2. Examples: Stone,
petrol, diesel etc.
water etc

6. Why does a matchstick burn on rubbing it on the side of the

matchbox?

The head of a safety match contains antimony trisulphide and potassium

chlorate. The rubbing surface has powdered glass and a little red phosphorous.
When the match is struck against the rubbing surface, some red phosphorous
gets converted into white phosphorous. This immediately reacts with
potassium chlorate in the matchstick head to produce heat to ignite antimony
trisulphide and start the combustion.

7. How are fuels classified on the basis of their physical state? Give
two examples of each.

We know that matter can exist in three states −- solid, liquid and gas.
On this basis, fuels can be classified as follows:

Solid fuels: Examples: Wood, coal, cattle-dung cakes, bagasse (sugarcane from
which juice has been extracted), etc.
Liquid fuels: Examples: Kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oil, petrol,
diesel, etc.
Gaseous fuels: Examples: Natural gas, coal gas, water gas, producer gas,
biogas, acetylene, etc.

8. Why is more care needed to store kerosene than coal, though both
are fuels?

Both kerosene and coal are fuels, but we need extra care to store kerosene oil
because the ignition temperature of kerosene oil is lower than that of coal. If
kerosene oil is heated a little, it will catch fire easily. On the other hand, coal
needs more heat to catch fire.

9. How does the foam type fire extinguisher work ?

At airports and petrol pumps, the foam type fire extinguisher is used
which is based on the principle of smothering the fire. In this
extinguisher, sodium bicarbonate contains Turkey red oil. When it is
operated, carbon dioxide liberated in reaction of dilute sulphuric acid
with sodium bicarbonate comes out under pressure in the form of a foam
and settles on the fire.

10. List conditions under which combustion can take place.

The burning of a substance in the presence of oxygen is defined as combustion.
The conditions under which combustion can take place are

 The presence of air or oxygen.

 The presence of fuel plays a significant role.
 Ignition temperature is maintained (It is defined as the substance that
catches fire at its lowest temperature.)

11. 60 kg of fuel was completely burnt for an experiment. The

amount of heat energy was found to be 1,80,000 kJ. Calculate the
calorific value of the fuel.
Answer:
Amount of fuel burnt = 60 kg
Amount of heat produced = 1,80,000 kJ
 ∴ Calorific value of the fuel is 3,000 kJ/kg
12. Explain how the use of CNG in automobiles has reduced
pollution in our cities.
CNG played an important role in reducing pollution among automobiles for the
following reasons

 CNG is comparatively a cleaner fuel.

 The CNG can be an alternative for diesel, petrol and propane/LPG.
 It usually contains a few undesirable gases than the other fuels
mentioned above.
 The combustion of fuels like petroleum causes many unburnt carbon
particles along with carbon monoxide, which leads to respiratory
diseases.

13. Explain, with the help of a labelled diagram, how a soda-acid

type fire extinguisher works.

A soda-acid type fire extinguisher contains concentrated solution of

sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) in a small cylinder fitted with a
glass bottle filled with sulphuric acid. When fire breaks out, the cylinder
is hit on a hard surface to break the bottle. Once the bottle breaks, the
 acid reacts with sodium hydrogen carbonate to evolve carbon dioxide and
water in the form of vapours. Carbon dioxide, being a non-supporter of
combustion, forms a blanket over the fire and extinguishes it. Water,
because of its cooling effect, brings down the temperature below the
ignition temperature to check burning.

14. What problem will arise if a fuel has an ignition temperature

lower than the average room temperature? Name the type of
combustion that will occur in such a case.

If a fuel has an ignition temperature lower than the average room

temperature, combustion will occur suddenly on its own. Such a
combustion is known as spontaneous combustion.

15. List the different methods by which a fire can be extinguished.

Different methods can be used to extinguish fires. They are as follows:

 Cooling off the burning material.

 Excluding oxygen from fire

 Removing fuel from fire

 Using a flame inhibitor

16. What is calorific value of a fuel? Why is hydrogen not used as a

fuel though it has the highest calorific value?

The amount of heat liberated, when one kg of a fuel is completely burnt in

sufficient supply of oxygen, is called the calorific value of the fuel.

Hydrogen is not used as fuel despite the highest calorific value because:

 It is lighter than air; thus, it is not easily available.

 It cannot be used in liquid form because its melting point is −-253⁰C.
 Hydrogen gas in external air may spontaneously ignite.
 Hydrogen fire, while being extremely hot, is almost invisible; thus, it can
lead to accidental burns.
 Hydrogen poses unique challenges due to its ease of leaking, low-energy
ignition and wide range of combustible fuel-air mixtures.
 17. What are the characteristics of a good fuel?

Characteristics of a good fuel are as follows:

1. High calorific value: In order to have high fuel efficiency, a good fuel
must have high calorific value.
2. Moderate ignition temperature: A good fuel should have moderate
ignition temperature.
3. Burns easily at a moderate rate: A good fuel should burn easily in
sufficient air at a moderate rate.
4. Low content of non-combustible material: A good fuel should have low
content of non-combustible material.
5. Easy to store and handle: A good fuel should be easy to transport and
store at a low cost and without causing any harm.
6. Lower moisture content: A good fuel should have less moisture
content.
7. Fuels on combustion should not leave behind any harmful product
such as CO, SO2, etc.
8. A good fuel should have low volatile matter content.

18. Compare LPG and wood as fuels

Wood

 It is considered as a traditional fuel used for both domestic and

industrial purposes.
 Wood produces a lot of smoke which pollutes the atmosphere and cause
respiratory diseases.
 The usage of wood to a large extent causes deforestation.
 The calorific value of wood ranges between 17000 to 22000 kJ/kg
 However, wood may be used as a furnace, stove or fireplace indoors while
it is used for a campfire, furnace outdoors.
LPG

 The usage LPG (Liquefied petroleum gas) has replaced wood.

 It doesn’t release smoke and other pollutants.
 It is a cleaner fuel.
 The fuel efficiency of LPG is more than that of wood.
 The calorific value of LPG is 55000 kJ/kg.
 Hence, LPG is the most preferred choice.
 19. Explain how water gets boiled in paper cup without burning it.

When we heat the paper cup containing water, the heat given to it is
rapidly transferred to water from the paper cup. The temperature of
water goes on increasing until it attains its boiling point, and starts
boiling. As, during this process, the heat is continuously being
transferred to water; the paper cup does not attain its ignition
temperature. Hence, it does not burn.
20. Give reasons.
(a) Water is not used to control fires involving electrical equipment.
(b) LPG is a better domestic fuel than wood.
(c) Paper by itself catches fire easily whereas a piece of paper wrapped
around an aluminium pipe does not.
Soln:
a)

 Water is a good conductor of electricity.

 If added to an electrical fire, the water would just spread the electricity
further.
 The person dousing the fire might get an electric shock
b)

 LPG being a cleaner fuel than wood doesn’t release smoke and other
pollutants.
 Wood, on the other hand, releases a lot of smoke and fumes polluting the
atmosphere causing pollution and leading to respiratory diseases.
 Hence, LPG is a better domestic fuel than wood.
c)

 The paper by itself catches fire easily because of its low ignition
temperature.
 The piece of paper wrapped around an aluminium pipe doesn’t catch fire
because aluminium is a good conductor of electricity.
 While the paper wrapped around an aluminium pipe results in an
increase in ignition temperature. So, there is a transfer of heat from
paper to the aluminium pipe. Hence it doesn’t catch fire.

21. Make a labelled diagram of a candle flame.

 22. Why does a piece of paper burn with yellow flame? Give a
reason.
The inadequate supply of oxygen during the combustion of the piece of
paper produces solid carbon particles that rise up in the flame. They
become hot and glow to give off yellowish light. This makes the piece of
paper burn with a yellowish flame.
23. What kind of fires can effectively be put out by water? What
kind of fires is it not suitable for? Give reasons for both cases.

Water cools the combustible material and the temperature is brought below the
ignition temperature of the combustible material . This prevents fire from
spreading. Water vapours also surround the combustible material and help in
cutting off the air supply.
Water can be used when solid materials like paper, wood etc. are on fire.
However, it is not suitable for extinguishing fire in electrical appliances. If
water is poured on an electrical fire, it can conduct electricity and
cause electric shocks to the person trying to extinguish the fire. Moreover,
water should not be used in fires involving hot cooking oil or fat because it can
spread such fire

24. It is observed at petrol pumps and airports, that hydrocarbon

fire extinguishers are used, instead of soda-acid fire extinguisher.
Give reasons why.
 At petrol pumps and airports, there is more probability of fire break out
due to oil. In such situations, soda-acid fire extinguisher does not work
as it contains water or uses water to take off fire by cooling down the
place. Water being heavier than oil sinks to bottom and hence, fire does
not get controlled. In such a case, hydrocarbon fire extinguisher is very
useful, as it contains turkey red oil, which causes the foaming of carbon
dioxide gas under pressure. The foam covers the surface of the burning
substances and dispels the supply of air to control fire.

25. Name the unit in which the calorific value of a fuel is

expressed.
Calorific value is defined as the energy contained in the fuel. It is expressed in
the form kJ/kg
kJ=kilo joules and kg=kilogram

26. How does carbon dioxide extinguish a fire?

Carbon dioxide is heavier than air and does not support combustion. Carbon
dioxide extinguishes fire by displacing oxygen or by taking away oxygen from
the fire triangle. Carbon dioxide is also very cold when it comes out of the
extinguisher. Thus, it reduces the temperature of the fuel as well.

27. It is difficult to burn a heap of green leaves but dry leaves

catch fire easily. Explain.
A heap of green leaves contains a lot of moisture in it, hence its ignition
temperature is high. Therefore, it does not catch fire easily.
But dry leaves have no moisture content in it, hence its ignition temperature is
low. Therefore, it catches fire easily.

28. Which zone of a flame does a goldsmith use for melting gold
and silver and why?
The goldsmith mainly uses non-luminous flame which is termed to be the
outermost part of the flame. This part of the flame is used because the
outermost flame undergoes complete combustion and is considered as the
hottest part of the flame.
 29. In an experiment, 4.5 kg of a fuel was completely burnt. The
heat produced was measured to be 180,000 kJ. Calculate the
calorific value of the fuel.

30. Abida and Ramesh were doing an experiment in which water

was to be heated in a beaker. Abida kept the beaker near the wick in
the yellow part of the candle flame. Ramesh kept the beaker in the
outermost part of the flame. Whose water will get heated in a
shorter time?
The water placed in the outermost part of the flame will be heated in a short
time since it is a non-luminous flame and is regarded as the hottest part of the
flame. So Ramesh’s beaker will be heated first. However, Abida who placed the
beaker in the luminous flame (yellow flame) is comparatively less hot.

31. Discuss the impact of burning fuels on air.

Carbon fuels like wood, coal, petroleum release unburnt carbon particles.
These fine particles are dangerous pollutants, which cause respiratory diseases
such as asthma.
Incomplete combustion of these fuels gives carbon monoxide gas, which is a
very poisonous gas.
Combustion of most fuels releases carbon dioxide in the environment.
Increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the air causes global warming.
Use of fossil fuels damages the environment with the realease of toxic gases
like oxides of nitrogen and sulphur. Such gases are responsible for acid rain,
which, in turn, is very harmful for crops, buildings and soil. Moreover, nitric
oxide and CFCs are also responsible for depletion of ozone layer.

32. Would you consider coal as a good fuel? Give reasons.

Coal meets nearly all the conditions of being a good fuel. It is economically
cheap, easily available and produce no harmful odour on burning. It can be
transported easily and its combustion can be controlled. Therefore, coal can be
considered as a good fuel.