Balancing Combustion Reactions

Dr. B demonstrates how to balance a combustion reaction involving carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The process begins with balancing carbon and hydrogen atoms, followed by recalculating and balancing oxygen atoms. The final step involves adjusting the equation to use whole numbers, resulting in a balanced chemical equation.

What is the initial count of carbon atoms on the reactant side of the combustion reaction?

• 16

• 14

• 12

• 10

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

• 11

• 12

• 13

• 10

What coefficient is used for water to balance the hydrogen atoms in the reaction?

• 11

• 12

• 14

• 13

After balancing hydrogen, what is the total number of oxygen atoms needed on the product side?

• 35

• 36

• 37

• 38

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

• 37/2

• 36/2

• 35/2

• 38/2

What is the final coefficient for carbon dioxide when the equation is balanced with whole numbers?

• 22

• 24

• 26

• 28

What is the final coefficient for water when the equation is balanced with whole numbers?

• 24

• 25

• 26

• 27