Balancing Combustion Reactions

This video tutorial demonstrates how to balance the chemical equation for C4H10O plus O2, a combustion reaction. The instructor explains the process of counting atoms in both reactants and products, focusing on carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The video emphasizes the importance of balancing carbon and hydrogen first, then using fractions to balance oxygen. Key tips include leaving oxygen balancing until last and treating it as an equation. The tutorial concludes with a balanced equation and practical advice for similar problems.

What type of reaction is C4H10O plus O2?

• Single replacement reaction

• Decomposition reaction

• Combustion reaction

• Synthesis reaction

How many hydrogen atoms are present in C4H10O?

• 4

• 10

• 1

• 3

What is the first step in balancing the equation for C4H10O plus O2?

• Balance the entire equation at once

• Balance the hydrogen atoms

• Balance the carbon atoms

• Balance the oxygen atoms

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

• 5

• 4

• 2

• 3

How many hydrogen atoms are needed on the product side to balance the equation?

• 20

• 10

• 15

• 5

What coefficient is placed in front of H2O to balance the hydrogen atoms?

• 2

• 3

• 5

• 4

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

• 9

• 10

• 12

• 13

How can the oxygen atoms be balanced in the equation?

• By changing the coefficient of CO2

• By using a fractional coefficient for O2

• By adding more C4H10O

• By adding more H2O

What is the final balanced equation for C4H10O plus O2?

• C4H10O + 8O2 → 4CO2 + 5H2O

• C4H10O + 6O2 → 4CO2 + 5H2O

• C4H10O + 5O2 → 4CO2 + 5H2O

• C4H10O + 7O2 → 4CO2 + 5H2O

What is the key strategy for balancing combustion reactions?

• Use only whole number coefficients

• Leave oxygen atoms to balance last

• Balance the entire equation at once

• Start with balancing oxygen atoms