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
To write a balanced equation for the given reactions, we need to determine the chemical formulas and the balanced coefficients for each reactant and product involved. Let's break down each reaction and find the balanced equations:
a) C14H30 is cracked to produce ethene, hydrogen, and one other compound.
1. First, we need to know that cracking is the process of breaking down larger hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones. C14H30 is a hydrocarbon with 14 carbon atoms and 30 hydrogen atoms.
2. When it is cracked, it produces ethene (C2H4), hydrogen (H2), and one other compound. Let's represent the other compound as X.
The balanced equation for this reaction is:
C14H30 -> C2H4 + H2 + X
b) C16H34 is cracked to produce ethene and propene in a 2:1 ratio and only one other compound.
1. C16H34 is a hydrocarbon with 16 carbon atoms and 34 hydrogen atoms.
2. When it is cracked, it produces ethene (C2H4), propene (C3H6), and one other compound. Let's represent the other compound as Y.
Given that the ratio of ethene to propene is 2:1, we can write the equation as:
C16H34 -> 2 C2H4 + C3H6 + Y