What is the balanced equation for the combustion of propane (C3H8)? (2021)

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Question: What is the balanced equation for the combustion of propane (C3H8)? (2021)

Options:

Correct Answer: C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O

Exam Year: 2021

Solution:

The balanced equation for the combustion of propane is C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O.

What is the balanced equation for the combustion of propane (C3H8)? (2021)

What is the balanced equation for the combustion of propane (C3H8)? (2021)

Step 1: Write the unbalanced equation for the combustion of propane. It starts with propane (C3H8) and oxygen (O2).
Step 2: The products of combustion are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). So, the unbalanced equation is C3H8 + O2 → CO2 + H2O.
Step 3: Count the number of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms in the reactants and products.
Step 4: Balance the carbon atoms first. Propane has 3 carbon atoms, so you need 3 CO2. Update the equation: C3H8 + O2 → 3CO2 + H2O.
Step 5: Next, balance the hydrogen atoms. Propane has 8 hydrogen atoms, so you need 4 H2O. Update the equation: C3H8 + O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O.
Step 6: Now, count the total oxygen atoms on the right side. You have 3 CO2 (which gives 6 O) and 4 H2O (which gives 4 O), totaling 10 O atoms.
Step 7: To balance the oxygen, you need 5 O2 on the left side because 5 O2 gives 10 O atoms. Update the equation: C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O.
Step 8: Check that all atoms are balanced: 3 C, 8 H, and 10 O on both sides.

Combustion Reaction – A chemical reaction where a substance combines with oxygen to produce heat and light, typically resulting in carbon dioxide and water.
Balancing Chemical Equations – The process of ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Stoichiometry – The calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions based on the balanced equation.