Question

When a piece of paper burns, smoke and ash are produced whats the reaction?

Answer 1

See Below.

Explanation:

A piece of paper contains Cellulose, which is a polymer of glucose`(C_6H_(12)O_6)` and number of glucose in each Cellulose chain can't be correctly identified.

So, While a paper burns,

`(C_6H_(11)O_5)_n + O_2 rarr CO_2 + H_2O`

The cellulose, being a hydrocarbon, burns in the presence of oxygen and produces Carbon Dioxide and Water vapour, with some unburnt carbon particles emerging from the cellulose, which causes the smoke.

But, Speaking of the Ash, I don't have the exact idea what it is made of, but I think it has other materials that bamboo fibres may pick up (Papers are usually made up of bamboo fibres.)

Hope this helps.