Question

Explain why ${\mathrm{N}}_2\mathrm{O}$ supports combustion more vigorously than air.

Answer 1

• Combustion: It is defined as the burning of a substance in presence of oxygen.
• Decomposition of Nitrous oxide (${\mathrm{N}}_2\mathrm{O}$ ) gas results in the formation of Oxygen(${\mathrm{O}}_2$) and Nitrogen(${\mathrm{N}}_2$).
• $2{\mathrm{N}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{g}\right)\to 2{\mathrm{N}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)+{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)$
• A greater amount of oxygen is produced using decomposition of ${\mathrm{N}}_2\mathrm{O}$ in comparison to oxygen present in the air.

Therefore, ${\mathrm{N}}_2\mathrm{O}$ supports combustion more.