Burning Hydrocarbons – Lesson & Laboratory – Unit 4 – IGCSE Chemistry

Burning Hydrocarbons – Lesson & Laboratory – Unit 4 – IGCSE Chemistry
Complete vs Incomplete Combustion, Energy Release & Carbon Monoxide Risk

This Synapse Science resource covers Unit 4.11 to 4.13 of the Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry specification. Students learn the differences between complete and incomplete combustion, observe the products formed in a lab setting, and understand the risks of carbon monoxide from hydrocarbon fuels.

The included practical helps students visually identify combustion types using test tubes, limewater, and cobalt chloride paper.

TOPICS COVERED – SPECIFICATION POINTS

• 4.11: Know that a fuel is a substance that, when burned, releases heat energy
• 4.12: Know the possible products of complete and incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons with oxygen in the air
• 4.13: Understand why carbon monoxide is poisonous, in terms of its effect on the capacity of blood to transport oxygen

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Editable PowerPoint lesson with combustion theory, balanced equations, and particle diagrams
• Practical lab method for comparing complete vs incomplete combustion
• Observations table and prompts for identifying CO₂, water, soot, and CO
• Safety notes and technician guidance for safe flame testing and chemical indicators

KEY FEATURES

• Clearly explains both combustion types with balanced reactions
• Practical includes gas test for CO₂ (limewater) and H₂O (cobalt chloride)
• Safety explanation of carbon monoxide’s effect on haemoglobin
• Matches Paper 1 content of Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry
• Consistent Synapse Science formatting across lesson and lab sheet

KEYWORDS
Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry, Combustion, Burning Hydrocarbons, Complete Combustion, Incomplete Combustion, Carbon Monoxide, Soot, Hydrocarbon Fuels, Limewater Test, Synapse Science, Lesson, Practical, Worksheet, Unit 4