Question

How do you balance `C_7H_14 + O_2 -> CO_2 + H_2O`?

Answer 1

`C_7H_14(l) + 21/2O_2(g) rarr 7CO_2(g) + 7H_2O(l)`

Explanation:

The products of complete combustion of ANY hydrocarbon are carbon dioxide and water. Above I balanced the carbons, and then the hydrogens, and then the oxygens. Is it balanced?

Note that you use this same principle of balancing, of stroichiometry, whenever you make a cash or electronic transaction. Garbage in must equal garbage out.