Balancing Ethane Combustion Reactions

The video tutorial explains the process of balancing a combustion reaction involving ethane (C2H6) and oxygen. It starts by identifying the unbalanced elements in the chemical equation and then demonstrates how to balance carbon and hydrogen atoms first. The tutorial emphasizes saving the balancing of oxygen for last, as it can be adjusted without affecting other elements. The instructor uses a step-by-step approach to achieve whole number coefficients, ensuring the equation is balanced correctly. The video concludes with a review of the balanced equation and the importance of using whole numbers.

What is the initial chemical equation for the combustion of ethane?

• C2H4 + O2 → CO2 + H2O

• C2H6 + O2 → CO2 + H2O

• CH4 + O2 → CO2 + H2O

• C3H8 + O2 → CO2 + H2O

How many carbon atoms are present on the left side of the initial equation?

• One

• Two

• Four

• Three

What is the first step in balancing the chemical equation?

• Balance the carbon atoms

• Balance the nitrogen atoms

• Balance the hydrogen atoms

• Balance the oxygen atoms

How many water molecules are needed to balance the hydrogen atoms?

• Four

• Three

• Two

• One

What is the total number of oxygen atoms on the right side after balancing carbon and hydrogen?

• Six

• Eight

• Seven

• Five

What fractional coefficient is used for oxygen to balance the equation initially?

• 4.0

• 3.5

• 3.0

• 2.5

Why is it not standard to leave fractional coefficients in a chemical equation?

• It is not mathematically correct

• It is a convention to use whole numbers

• It is more accurate

• It makes calculations easier

What is the final coefficient for ethane after converting to whole numbers?

• Four

• One

• Three

• Two

What is the final coefficient for oxygen after converting to whole numbers?

• Eight

• Seven

• Six

• Five

What is the final balanced chemical equation for the combustion of ethane?

• 2C2H6 + 7O2 → 4CO2 + 6H2O

• C2H6 + 3.5O2 → 2CO2 + 3H2O

• 2C2H6 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O

• C2H6 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O