Question

if carbon monoxide reaches a temperature of over 1,100 degrees fahrenheit, it will ignite in a combustion reaction with oxygen. what would the product(s) of the reaction be?
2co + o₂ → ?
○ 2co₂
○ c₂ + o₄
○ 2co + o₂
○ h₂o

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Combustion Reaction

Combustion of CO (carbon monoxide) with O₂ (oxygen) is a reaction where CO is oxidized. The general form for CO combustion is \( 2\text{CO} + \text{O}_2
ightarrow 2\text{CO}_2 \), as carbon monoxide combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide, and the equation must be balanced (number of each atom on both sides: C: 2 on left, 2 on right; O: \( 2\times1 + 2 = 4 \) on left, \( 2\times2 = 4 \) on right).

Step2: Evaluate Options

• Option \( 2\text{CO}_2 \): Balanced equation, correct product of CO combustion.
• Option \( \text{C}_2 + \text{O}_4 \): Incorrect, as atoms don't combine this way in combustion; CO reacts to form a compound, not separate C and O.
• Option \( 2\text{CO} + \text{O}_2 \): Reactants, not products.
• Option \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \): No H in reactants (CO and O₂), so impossible.

Answer:

\( 2\text{CO}_2 \) (the first option: \( 2\text{CO}_2 \))