question:\nbalance the following chemical equation:\n$c_{2}h_{6}(g) + o_{2}(g) \\rightarrow co_{2}(g) +…
question:\nbalance the following chemical equation:\n$c_{2}h_{6}(g) + o_{2}(g) \\rightarrow co_{2}(g) + h_{2}o(g)$
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Balance carbon atoms
There are 2 carbons in $C_{2}H_{6}$, so add a coefficient of 2 to $CO_{2}$. $$C_{2}H_{6} + O_{2} \rightarrow 2CO_{2} + H_{2}O$$
Step2: Balance hydrogen atoms
There are 6 hydrogens in $C_{2}H_{6}$, so add a coefficient of 3 to $H_{2}O$. $$C_{2}H_{6} + O_{2} \rightarrow 2CO_{2} + 3H_{2}O$$
Step3: Count oxygen atoms on product side
Products have $(2 \times 2) + (3 \times 1) = 7$ oxygen atoms. $$2CO_{2} + 3H_{2}O \Rightarrow 7 \text{ O atoms}$$
Step4: Balance oxygen atoms using a fraction
To get 7 oxygen atoms from $O_{2}$, use the coefficient $\frac{7}{2}$. $$C_{2}H_{6} + \frac{7}{2}O_{2} \rightarrow 2CO_{2} + 3H_{2}O$$
Step5: Multiply by two for whole numbers
Multiply the entire equation by 2 to remove the fraction. $$2C_{2}H_{6}(g) + 7O_{2}(g) \rightarrow 4CO_{2}(g) + 6H_{2}O(g)$$
Answer:
$2C_{2}H_{6}(g) + 7O_{2}(g) \rightarrow 4CO_{2}(g) + 6H_{2}O(g)$