Combustion Chemistry Example 3

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

easy

Balance the combustion of butane:

\text{C}_4\text{H}_{10} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O}

1
Balance C: 4 $\text{CO}_2$ . Balance H: 10 H → 5 $\text{H}_2\text{O}$ . O needed: $4(2) + 5(1) = 13$ O atoms → $\frac{13}{2}\text{O}_2$ .
2
Multiply everything by 2: $2\text{C}_4\text{H}_{10} + 13\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 8\text{CO}_2 + 10\text{H}_2\text{O}$ .

Answer

2\text{C}_4\text{H}_{10} + 13\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 8\text{CO}_2 + 10\text{H}_2\text{O}

When balancing produces fractional coefficients, multiply all coefficients by the denominator to get whole numbers.

About Combustion

A rapid exothermic chemical reaction in which a fuel reacts with oxygen gas, releasing large amounts of energy as heat and light.

Write the balanced equation for the complete combustion of ethanol ([formula]).

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Ethanol ([formula]) is used as a fuel additive. Write the balanced equation for its complete combust