as part of an experiment, a student burns propane (c₃h₈) to produce carbon dioxide (co₂) and water (h₂o)…

as part of an experiment, a student burns propane (c₃h₈) to produce carbon dioxide (co₂) and water (h₂o). she remembers that she must follow the law of conservation of matter when writing a balance chemical equation. which of these equations adheres to the law of conservation of matter? a c₃h₈ + o₂ -> co₂ + h₂o b c₃h₈ + o₂ -> 3co₂ + h₂o c c₃h₈ + 3o₂ -> co₂ + 4h₂o d c₃h₈ + 5o₂ -> 3co₂ + 4h₂o
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Count atoms in option A
In $C_3H_8 + O_2\rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O$, on left - hand side: 3 C, 8 H, 2 O; on right - hand side: 1 C, 2 H, 3 O. Not balanced.
Step2: Count atoms in option B
In $C_3H_8+O_2\rightarrow3CO_2 + H_2O$, on left - hand side: 3 C, 8 H, 2 O; on right - hand side: 3 C, 2 H, 7 O. Not balanced.
Step3: Count atoms in option C
In $C_3H_8 + 3O_2\rightarrow CO_2+4H_2O$, on left - hand side: 3 C, 8 H, 6 O; on right - hand side: 1 C, 8 H, 6 O. Not balanced.
Step4: Count atoms in option D
In $C_3H_8+5O_2\rightarrow3CO_2 + 4H_2O$, on left - hand side: 3 C, 8 H, 10 O; on right - hand side: 3 C, 8 H, 10 O. Balanced.
Answer:
D. $C_3H_8 + 5O_2\rightarrow3CO_2 + 4H_2O$