What is produced by an ideal air-to-fuel ratio in combustion?

An ideal air-to-fuel ratio in combustion produces primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O). When combustion occurs in an optimal environment where the fuel is completely consumed with adequate airflow, the products will mainly consist of these two substances. This is indicative of complete combustion, where the fuel is oxidized entirely and produces the least harmful emissions.

Other byproducts, like nitrogen (N) or trace elements like chlorine (Cl), fluorine (F), or bromine (Br), may also be present in small amounts depending on the composition of the fuel being burned. However, the primary products of complete combustion at an ideal air-to-fuel ratio are indeed CO2 and H2O.

In contrast, manufacturing carbon monoxide and soot indicates incomplete combustion, which occurs when there is an insufficient air supply, leading to a mixture that has not fully oxidized. Excessive heat and light can occur in both complete and incomplete combustion scenarios, but they do not specify the products of the combustion process itself. Lastly, hydrogen and nitrogen are not typical outputs of the combustion reaction under ideal conditions.