What does combustion release into the atmosphere?

What does combustion release into the atmosphere?

• A. Oxygen
• B. Water vapor
• C. Carbon dioxide
• D. Hydrogen

Answer: (C)

When a fuel burns, it reacts with oxygen and releases energy, producing new substances. For most carbon-containing fuels, the carbon ends up as carbon dioxide and the hydrogen ends up as water. The gas that ends up in the atmosphere from this burning is primarily carbon dioxide, since the carbon atoms are oxidized to CO2. Water vapor is also produced and enters the atmosphere, but CO2 is the gas most commonly associated with combustion emissions and is a major focus in discussions of atmospheric pollution and climate.

When a fuel burns, it reacts with oxygen and releases energy, producing new substances. For most carbon-containing fuels, the carbon ends up as carbon dioxide and the hydrogen ends up as water. The gas that ends up in the atmosphere from this burning is primarily carbon dioxide, since the carbon atoms are oxidized to CO2. Water vapor is also produced and enters the atmosphere, but CO2 is the gas most commonly associated with combustion emissions and is a major focus in discussions of atmospheric pollution and climate.