Question

Before we can use this equation for

calculations we must first balance it.
What whole number should be placed in the
green box to balance this equation?
2C2H6 + [? ]02 → [ ]CO2 + [ ]H20
Remember, the coefficients should be the
smallest whole numbers possible.

Answer 1

2C₂H₆ + [7]O₂ → [4]CO₂ + [6]H₂O

Step-by-step explanation:

Chemical equation:

C₂H₆ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O

Balanced chemical equation:

2C₂H₆ + 7O₂ → 4CO₂ + 6H₂O

Step 1:

2C₂H₆ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O

Left hand side Right hand side

C = 4 C = 1

H = 12 H = 2

O = 2 O = 3

Step 2:

2C₂H₆ + O₂ → 4CO₂ + H₂O

Left hand side Right hand side

C = 4 C = 4

H = 12 H = 2

O = 2 O = 9

Step 3:

2C₂H₆ + O₂ → 4CO₂ + 6H₂O

Left hand side Right hand side

C = 4 C = 4

H = 12 H = 12

O = 2 O = 14

Step 4:

2C₂H₆ + 7O₂ → 4CO₂ + 6H₂O

Left hand side Right hand side

C = 4 C = 4

H = 12 H = 12

O = 14 O = 14