Balancing Combustion Reactions

Dr. B guides viewers through balancing a combustion reaction. Starting with an introduction, the video explains the initial setup of the reaction, focusing on the number of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms on both sides. The process of balancing begins with carbon and hydrogen atoms, followed by oxygen atoms. The video concludes with final adjustments to ensure the equation is balanced, including converting fractional coefficients to whole numbers.

What is the initial count of carbon atoms on the reactant side of the combustion reaction?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

How many hydrogen atoms are present on the reactant side before balancing?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

What coefficient is placed in front of CO2 to balance the carbon atoms?

• Three

• Two

• Four

• One

After balancing carbon, how many hydrogen atoms are on each side?

• Three

• Two

• One

• Four

What is the total number of oxygen atoms on the product side after balancing hydrogen?

• Four

• Six

• Three

• Five

What is the fractional coefficient used to balance the oxygen atoms?

• 3/2

• 9/2

• 5/2

• 7/2

What is the final step to ensure all coefficients are whole numbers?

• Subtract one

• Add one

• Multiply by two

• Divide by two

What is the final balanced equation for the combustion reaction?

• C2H2 + 5/2 O2 -> 2 CO2 + H2O

• C2H4 + 3 O2 -> 2 CO2 + 2 H2O

• C2H2 + 5 O2 -> 4 CO2 + 2 H2O

• C2H4 + 5 O2 -> 4 CO2 + 2 H2O