___ C4H10 + ___O2 → ___CO2 + ___ H2O
balance it
2 C4H10 + 13 O2 → 8 CO2 + 10 H2O
To balance the equation:
C4H10 + O2 → CO2 + H2O
We can start by balancing the carbon (C) atoms on both sides of the equation. There are 4 carbon atoms on the left side and 1 carbon atom on the right side. To balance the carbon atoms, we need to put a coefficient of 4 in front of CO2:
C4H10 + O2 → 4CO2 + H2O
Next, we can balance the hydrogen (H) atoms. There are 10 hydrogen atoms on the left side and 2 hydrogen atoms on the right side. To balance the hydrogen atoms, we need to put a coefficient of 5 in front of H2O:
C4H10 + O2 → 4CO2 + 5H2O
Finally, we can balance the oxygen (O) atoms. There are 2 oxygen atoms on the left side (from O2) and 4 oxygen atoms on the right side (from 4CO2). To balance the oxygen atoms, we need to put a coefficient of 5/2 or 2.5 in front of O2. However, coefficients must be whole numbers, so we will multiply all the coefficients by 2 to get rid of the fraction:
2C4H10 + 13O2 → 8CO2 + 10H2O
Therefore, the balanced equation is:
2C4H10 + 13O2 → 8CO2 + 10H2O
To balance the given chemical equation:
C4H10 + O2 → CO2 + H2O
We start by counting the number of atoms on both sides of the equation.
On the left side of the equation:
- Carbon (C): 4 atoms
- Hydrogen (H): 10 atoms
- Oxygen (O): 2 atoms
On the right side of the equation:
- Carbon (C): 1 atom
- Hydrogen (H): 2 atoms
- Oxygen (O): 3 atoms
To balance the equation, we need to make sure that the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides. Here's the step-by-step method to balance the equation:
1. Start by balancing the carbon (C) atoms by placing a coefficient of 4 in front of CO2:
C4H10 + O2 → 4CO2 + H2O
Now, the carbon atoms are balanced; there are 4 atoms on both sides.
2. Next, balance the hydrogen (H) atoms. There are 10 hydrogen atoms on the left side and only 2 on the right side. To balance the hydrogen atoms, place a coefficient of 5 in front of H2O:
C4H10 + O2 → 4CO2 + 5H2O
Now, there are 10 hydrogen atoms on both sides.
3. Finally, balance the oxygen (O) atoms. There are 2 oxygen atoms on the left side and 14 oxygen atoms on the right side. To balance the oxygen atoms, place a coefficient of 7/2 (or 3.5) in front of O2:
C4H10 + 7/2O2 → 4CO2 + 5H2O
Note that using fractions or decimals as coefficients is acceptable in balancing equations. It ensures that the atoms are balanced correctly.
Now, the equation is balanced:
C4H10 + 7/2O2 → 4CO2 + 5H2O