Balancing Combustion Reactions

This video tutorial guides viewers through the process of balancing a combustion reaction equation involving C7H17 and O2, resulting in carbon dioxide and water. The instructor emphasizes counting atoms, starting with carbon and hydrogen, and leaving oxygen for last due to its isolated nature. The video explains the use of coefficients to balance the equation and addresses the challenge of dealing with fractional coefficients, offering a method to convert them into whole numbers. The tutorial concludes with a balanced equation and tips for successful balancing.

What are the products of the combustion reaction involving C7H17 and O2?

• Carbon monoxide and hydrogen

• Carbon dioxide and water

• Methane and oxygen

• Hydrogen peroxide and carbon

Why is it recommended to leave oxygen balancing until the end in combustion reactions?

• Oxygen is by itself and does not affect other elements

• Oxygen is the least abundant element

• Oxygen is present in multiple compounds

• Oxygen is the most reactive element

What is the initial coefficient used for carbon in the equation to balance it?

• 6

• 5

• 7

• 8

How many hydrogen atoms are present after doubling the coefficient for C7H17?

• 17

• 34

• 51

• 68

What is the total number of oxygen atoms needed after balancing hydrogen?

• 45

• 28

• 31

• 34

What fraction is used to balance the oxygen atoms in the equation?

• 17/2

• 45/2

• 28/2

• 31/2

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

• Add 1 to all coefficients

• Divide all coefficients by 2

• Multiply all coefficients by 2

• Subtract 1 from all coefficients

What is the whole number coefficient for O2 after converting from a fraction?

• 90

• 34

• 28

• 45

What is the whole number coefficient for C7H17 in the final balanced equation?

• 8

• 6

• 4

• 2

What is the whole number coefficient for H2O in the final balanced equation?

• 17

• 45

• 28

• 34