Question

Reaction (i) represents complete combustion of carbon forming carbon dioxide (CO₂) whereas the reaction (ii) shows the formation of carbon monoxide (CO) due to incomplete combustion. Balance the equation (ii) and find the value of ‘X’ which will explain the insufficient amount of oxygen involved.
(i) $2C+2O_2\to 2C{O}_2$
(ii) $2C+x{O}_2\to 2CO$

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 0.5
• D. 4

Answer 1

The correct option is A 1

Balancing of a chemical reaction emphasises equal amount of atoms on the reactants side and products side. In the reaction (ii), there are two oxygen atoms on the right hand side. To balance this, coefficient of O₂ must be equal to 1 (one). So, X = 1.
Complete combustion of carbon results in the formation of carbon dioxide (CO2) whereas the formation of carbon monoxide (CO) takes place due to incomplete combustion. This is due to the insufficient amount of air (oxygen) which leads to incomplete combustion.