1. Pentane gas (C5H12) combusts with oxygen gas (O2) to form water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Write a balanced chemical equation for this reaction and explain the scientific principle (statement) that requires the balancing of an equation to make it conform to reality
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The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of pentane gas (C5H12) with oxygen gas (O2) to form water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) is:
C5H12 + 8O2 -> 5CO2 + 6H2O
The scientific principle that requires the balancing of a chemical equation is the law of conservation of mass. This principle states that the mass of the reactants (substances present before the reaction occurs) must be equal to the mass of the products (substances formed after the reaction is complete). In other words, matter cannot be created or destroyed during a chemical reaction - it is only rearranged.
Balancing the equation ensures that the number and type of atoms are equal on both sides of the equation. In this case, the equation shows that five carbon atoms, twelve hydrogen atoms, and sixteen oxygen atoms on the left side of the equation are also present on the right side of the equation. By balancing the equation, we can accurately represent the chemical reaction and fulfill the law of conservation of mass.
The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of pentane gas (C5H12) with oxygen gas (O2) to form water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) is:
C5H12 + 8 O2 → 5 CO2 + 6 H2O
The scientific principle that requires the balancing of a chemical equation is the Law of Conservation of Mass. This law states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, only rearranged. In other words, the total mass of the reactants must equal the total mass of the products.
When we analyze the combustion reaction between pentane and oxygen, we observe that there are 5 carbon atoms on the pentane side and only 1 carbon atom on the carbon dioxide side. In order to balance the carbons, we need to place a coefficient of 5 in front of CO2. Similarly, there are 12 hydrogen atoms on the pentane side and only 6 hydrogen atoms on the water side. To balance the hydrogens, we need to place a coefficient of 6 in front of H2O.
By balancing the equation, we ensure that the number of atoms of each element on the left side of the equation equals the number of atoms on the right side, preserving the total mass. This balancing allows the equation to conform to reality and accurately represent the stoichiometry of the reaction.