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Question

Balance this equation with steps: C2H6+O2CO2+H2O


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Solution

Step 1: Given equation

C2H6+O2CO2+H2O

Step 2: Method used for balancing the equation

Using the traditional method of balancing chemical equations. According to the method:

  • First, compare the total number of atoms of each element on the reactant side and the product side.
  • Add stoichiometric coefficients to molecules containing an element that has a different number of atoms on the reactant side and the product side.
  • The coefficient must balance the number of atoms on each side.
  • Usually, the stoichiometric coefficients for hydrogen and oxygen atoms are assigned last.
  • The number of atoms of an element in one species must be obtained by multiplying the stoichiometric coefficient by the total number of atoms of that element present in 1 molecule of the species.
  • Repeat this process till the number of all the atoms of the reacting elements are equal on both the reactant and product sides.

Step 3: Balancing the given equation

The given equation is: C2H6+O2CO2+H2O

Equation: C2H6+O2CO2+H2O
Reactant SideProduct Side
2 Carbon atoms1 Carbon atom
6 Hydrogen atoms 2 Hydrogen atoms
2 Oxygen atom 3 Oxygen atoms

First, the Carbon atoms are balanced. After balancing the equation becomes: C2H6+O22CO2+H2O

Then the Hydrogen atoms are balanced. After balancing the equation becomes: C2H6+O22CO2+3H2O

Finally, the Oxygen atoms are balanced. After balancing the equation becomes: C2H6+72O22CO2+3H2O

The updated equation is: C2H6+72O22CO2+3H2O

Equation: C2H6+72O22CO2+3H2O
Reactant SideProduct Side
2 Carbon atoms2 Carbon atoms
6 Hydrogen atoms 6 Hydrogen atoms
7 Oxygen atoms 7 Oxygen atoms

Since the number of all the atoms of the reacting elements are equal on both the reactant and product sides are equal, the equation is balanced.

Hence the balanced equation is: C2H6+72O22CO2+3H2O.


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