Balancing Chemical Equations

Dr. B demonstrates how to balance a combustion reaction involving decane. The process begins with identifying the number of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation. Carbons and hydrogens are balanced first, followed by oxygens. The equation is adjusted to ensure all coefficients are whole numbers, resulting in a balanced chemical equation for decane combustion.

What is the initial number of carbon atoms on the reactant side in the combustion reaction of decane?

• 22

• 10

• 1

• 2

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

• 10

• 11

• 22

• 2

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

• 15

• 5

• 20

• 10

To balance the hydrogen atoms, what coefficient is placed in front of water?

• 11

• 22

• 2

• 10

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

• 31

• 11

• 22

• 20

What fraction is used in front of O2 to balance the oxygen atoms?

• 15/2

• 31/2

• 22/2

• 10/2

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

• 4

• 3

• 2

• 1

What is the final coefficient for water in the balanced equation?

• 31

• 20

• 22

• 11