Chemical Formulas for Common Fuels

Fossil fuels are used for a variety of purposes. We burn these fuels in our cars, planes, and trains. Some homes use fossil fuels, like natural gas or propane, for cooking or heat. Many homes are powered by burning coal or natural gas for electricity. Many candles are even made with fossil fuel-based wax.

Below are a few chemical formulas for common fuels. Examine the formulas and look for patterns.

Discuss with a partner or record your noticings.

• What patterns do you notice in these chemical formulas? What does that mean for the kinds of atoms that could be given off when we burn them? 

• If we want to burn these fossil fuels, what do we need?

• If we burn these fossil fuels, what molecules could we predict might go into the air based on the atoms that make up these fuels?

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