Question

A mixture of oxygen and ethyne is burnt for welding but not a mixture of ethyne and air. Explain with reason.

Answer 1

When ethyne is burnt in air, it gives a sooty flame. This is due to incomplete combustion caused by limited supply of air. However, if ethyne is burnt with oxygen, it gives a clean flame with temperature ${3000}^{o}C$ because of complete combustion. This oxy-acetylene flame is used for welding. It is not possible to attain such a high temperature without mixing oxygen. This is the reason why a mixture of ethyne and air is not used.