Ethanol burns in air

3 marks · Easy

The combustion of ethanol can be used as a source of energy in stoves.

(a)

Write the molecular formula for ethanol.

[1 mark]

(b)

Describe what you would observe when ethanol burns in air.

[1 mark]

(c)

Name one use of ethanol apart from as a fuel.

[1 mark]

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Show answer

(a) C2H6O

(b) A clean (almost colourless or pale blue) flame is produced (accept any suitable observation related to flame and products).

Show mark scheme and worked solution

Marking points

B1 (a) · 1 mark · Gives correct molecular formula: C2H6O

B2 (b) · 1 mark · States clean/colourless/pale blue flame (accept 'it burns with a flame').

B3 (c) · 1 mark · States a use for ethanol, e.g. solvent, drinking alcohol, or as an antiseptic.

Worked solution

a) C2H6O

b) Ethanol burns with a clean, almost colourless flame.

c) Ethanol is used as a solvent.