Balancing Combustion Reactions

Dr. B demonstrates how to balance a combustion reaction for nonane. The process involves first balancing the carbon and hydrogen atoms, followed by the oxygen atoms. By adjusting the coefficients of CO2 and H2O, the equation is balanced with 9 carbons, 20 hydrogens, and 28 oxygens on both sides. The final step is to place a coefficient of 14 in front of O2 to achieve a balanced equation.

What are the initial counts of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms on the reactant side of the combustion reaction for nonane?

• 9 carbons, 18 hydrogens, 3 oxygens

• 10 carbons, 22 hydrogens, 2 oxygens

• 8 carbons, 18 hydrogens, 2 oxygens

• 9 carbons, 20 hydrogens, 2 oxygens

How many CO2 molecules are needed to balance the carbon atoms in the reaction?

• 11

• 8

• 9

• 10

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

• 9

• 11

• 10

• 8

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

• 30

• 32

• 28

• 26

What coefficient is placed in front of O2 to balance the oxygen atoms in the reaction?

• 12

• 13

• 14

• 15