Question

Distinguish between:

Combustion and Respiration

Answer 1

1. Combustion involves oxidation of carbon & hydrogen in hydrocarbons.
2. It is a rapid process at high temperature.
3. The equation formed in Combustion is
   Hydrocarbon + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water Vapour.
   CxHy + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O
4. Where as Respiration is a process, whereby living things use oxygen from the air to oxidize food substances mainly glucose, in their body cells and release energy in form of heat.
5. It is a slow process at body temperature.
6. The equation formed in Respiration is
   Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water Vapour + Heat.
   C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Heat energy