Science glossary film: Complete combustion

A combustion reaction in which all of the products are fully oxidised and the maximum amount of energy is released. During combustion, a fuel reacts with an oxidising agent, such as oxygen, releasing energy. Complete combustion occurs when there is enough oxygen available to fully oxidise the fuel. When diamond is heated to 1500 degrees Celsius and dropped in liquid oxygen, it undergoes complete combustion. All of its carbon atoms combine with oxygen atoms, producing only carbon dioxide gas.

During combustion, a fuel reacts with an oxidising agent, such as oxygen, releasing energy. Complete combustion occurs when there is enough oxygen available to fully oxidise the fuel. When diamond is heated to 1500 degrees Celsius and dropped in liquid oxygen, it undergoes complete combustion. All of its carbon atoms combine with oxygen atoms, producing only carbon dioxide gas.