Write a balanced equation to describe the following reactions:
a) C14H30 is cracked to produce ethene, hydrogen and one other compound
b) C16H34 is cracked to produce ethene and propene in a 2:1 ratio and only one other compound
Thanks:)
a) The balanced equation for the cracking of C14H30 to produce ethene, hydrogen, and another compound can be written as:
C14H30 -> C2H4 + H2 + C12H26
b) The balanced equation for the cracking of C16H34 to produce ethene, propene, and another compound can be written as:
C16H34 -> 2C2H4 + C3H6 + C11H24
To write balanced equations for these reactions, we first need to determine the reactants and the products involved. In both reactions, hydrocarbons are being cracked (broken down) to form smaller hydrocarbons.
a) C14H30 is cracked to produce ethene, hydrogen, and one other compound.
To balance the equation, first, we write the reactant on the left side and the products on the right side:
C14H30 → C2H4 + H2 + X
Next, we count the number of carbon atoms on both sides of the equation. On the reactant side, there are 14 carbon atoms, and on the product side, there are 2 carbon atoms (from C2H4). To balance the carbon atoms, we need to multiply C2H4 by 7:
C14H30 → 7C2H4 + H2 + X
Now, let's count the number of hydrogen atoms. On the reactant side, there are 30 hydrogen atoms, on the product side, there are 8 hydrogen atoms (from H2 and C2H4). To balance the hydrogen atoms, we need to multiply H2 by 11:
C14H30 → 7C2H4 + 11H2 + X
Finally, we add X to represent the other compound formed during cracking.
b) C16H34 is cracked to produce ethene and propene in a 2:1 ratio and only one other compound.
The equation can be written as:
C16H34 → 2C2H4 + C3H6 + X
Here, we balance the carbon atoms first. On the reactant side, there are 16 carbon atoms, and on the product side, there are 4 carbon atoms (from 2C2H4 and C3H6). To balance the carbon atoms, we need to multiply C2H4 by 8:
C16H34 → 8C2H4 + C3H6 + X
Next, we balance the hydrogen atoms. On the reactant side, there are 34 hydrogen atoms, on the product side, there are 8 hydrogen atoms (from 4H2 in C2H4), and 6 hydrogen atoms (from C3H6). To balance the hydrogen atoms, we need to multiply H2 in C2H4 by 17:
C16H34 → 8C2H4 + 17H2 + C3H6 + X
Note: The "X" represents the other compound formed during the cracking process, which can vary depending on the specific conditions of the reaction.
C14H30 ==> C2H4 + H2 + C12H24
C16H34 ==> 2C2H4 + C3H6 + C9H20