Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) G3 Practice Exam

Which two undesirable products result from incomplete combustion?

1. CO and Aldehydes

2. CO and N2

3. CO2 and Aldehydes

4. CO and Heat

The correct answer is: CO and Aldehydes

The correct choice identifies the two undesirable products that arise from incomplete combustion, which are carbon monoxide (CO) and aldehydes. Incomplete combustion occurs when there is insufficient oxygen available for a fuel to react completely, leading to the formation of these byproducts. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that poses serious health risks because it can bind with hemoglobin in the blood, preventing oxygen transport and leading to potential poisoning. Aldehydes, on the other hand, are organic compounds that can have harmful effects on both human health and the environment. They can irritate the eyes and respiratory system and may have longer-term health effects due to their reactivity. Understanding why these two products form helps clarify the importance of ensuring that combustion processes are efficient and adequately supplied with oxygen. Reducing the production of CO and aldehydes is critical for improving air quality and ensuring safety in environments where combustion occurs. The other options include combinations of products that do not align with the characteristics of incomplete combustion. For instance, nitrogen (N2) is an inert gas that does not typically form undesirable combustion byproducts, and carbon dioxide (CO2) is a common product of complete combustion that is not considered undesirable in moderate amounts. Therefore, identifying