How do you balance C3H6+O2CO+H2O?

2 Answers

C3H6+3O23CO+3H2O

Explanation:

To balance, we add molecules such as to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on each side of the equation.

This equation represents the incomplete combustion of propane as insufficient oxygen must have been present since carbon monoxide was form instead of carbon dioxide which would form if there was sufficient oxygen to ensure complete combustion.

Jan 29, 2016

C3H6+3O23CO+3H2O

Explanation:

We have three carbons on the reagents' side and only one on the products' side, so we need to balance that by making that equal.

C3H6+O23CO+H2O

We have six hydrogens on the reagents' side and only 2 on the products' side so we need to balance that by making them equal.

C3H6+O23CO+3H2O

We have 2 oxygens on the reagents' side and 6 on the products' side, so we need to balance that by making them equal, now, since the reagent's side has only one substance with oxygen it'll be easier to make that equal, so,

C3H6+3O23CO+3H2O

Do note that if you had equalized the first time around by

13C3H6+O2CO+H2O

It'd be already balanced, but it's considered good practice to balance equations by having integer coefficients, which we could have solved by multiplying everything by 3

C3H6+3O23CO+3H2O