Q2. A mixture of oxygen and ethyne is burnt for welding. Can you tell why a mixture of ethyne and air is not used?
Welding with Ethyne and Oxygen
- Ethyne (C₂H₂) burns with a sooty flame in air.
- This is because of incomplete combustion.
- Air does not provide enough oxygen for complete combustion. Air contains only 21% oxygen, whereas pure oxygen is used to get the highest possible temperature.
- A mixture of ethyne and oxygen is used for welding because it produces a very hot flame (around 3000°C).
- This high temperature is necessary for welding metals.
- A mixture of ethyne and air is not used because it produces a cooler flame (around 1000°C), which is not hot enough for welding.
Oxygen and ethyne together produce a clean flame.
