G2 Gas Fitter Practice Exam

Carbon monoxide is produced through?

1. Complete combustion

2. Incomplete combustion

3. Lightning strikes

4. Chemical reactions with water

The correct answer is: Incomplete combustion

Carbon monoxide is primarily produced through incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, such as natural gas, petrol, wood, and coal. Incomplete combustion occurs when there is not enough oxygen present during the burning process, causing carbon in the fuel to convert into carbon monoxide instead of carbon dioxide. This process can happen in various scenarios, such as in poorly ventilated spaces, where oxygen supply is limited, leading to the formation of harmful carbon monoxide. Understanding the conditions that lead to incomplete combustion is crucial for safety reasons, as carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause poisoning and serious health issues. The other options do not contribute to carbon monoxide production in the same context. Complete combustion, for instance, leads to the formation of carbon dioxide and water when oxygen is sufficient, while lightning strikes can produce various gases, and chemical reactions with water do not typically involve carbon monoxide generation in the combustion context.