How would you balance this chemical equation: $C_{3} H_{8} + O_{2} \to 3 C O_{2} + 4 H_{2} O$ $C_3H_8 + O_2 -> 3CO_2 + 4H_2O$ ?

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Answer 1 · 2017-05-23T10:58:21

$C_{3} H_{8} + 5 O_{2} \to 3 C O_{2} + 4 H_{2} O$ $C_3H_8+5O_2rarr3CO_2+4H_2O$

Let's look for each element one by one to see which element(s) needs balancing.

Carbon is balanced : there are 3 carbon atoms on the LHS, and 3 carbons on the RHS.

Hydrogen is balanced : There are 8 hydrogen atoms on the LHS, and 4 of 2 hydrogen atoms on the RHS, making it 8 atoms in total.

Oxygen is not balanced : there are 2 oxygen atoms on the LHS, but 10 oxygens on the RHS.

How many times does 2 go into 10? The answer is 5

$C_{3} H_{8} + 5 O_{2} \to 3 C O_{2} + 4 H_{2} O$ $C_3H_8+5O_2rarr3CO_2+4H_2O$

There are 6 carbon atoms, 16 hydrogen atoms and 14 oxygen atoms on each side of the equation. It is now balanced.

How would you balance this chemical equation: C3H8+O2→3CO2+4H2OC_3H_8 + O_2 -> 3CO_2 + 4H_2O?