Question

Write a balanced equation for the complete oxidation reaction that occurs when glucose (C6H12O6) reacts with oxygen. Use the smallest possible integer coefficients.

Answer 1

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ —> 6CO₂ + 6H₂O

Step-by-step explanation:

Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) react with oxygen (O₂) to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).

The equation can be written as follow:

C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂ —> CO₂ + H₂O

The above equation can be balance as illustrated below:

C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂ —> CO₂ + H₂O

There are 6 atoms of C on the left side and 1 atom on the right side. It can be balance by putting 6 in front of CO₂ as shown below:

C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂ —> 6CO₂ + H₂O

There are 12 atoms of H on the left side and 2 atoms on the right side. It can be balance by putting 6 in front of H₂O as shown below:

C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂ —> 6CO₂ + 6H₂O

There are a total of 8 atoms of O on the left side and a total of 18 atoms on the right side. It can be balance by 6 in front of O₂ as shown below:

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ —> 6CO₂ + 6H₂O

Now, the equation is balanced.