Question

What coefficient should be written in front of the reactant Oxygen gas (O2) in order for this equation below to be balanced?

C2H4 + ___ O2 --> 2CO2 + 2H2O

Answer 1

C₂H₄ + 3O₂ --> 2CO₂ + 2H₂O

Step-by-step explanation:

In products side we have 4 oxygens from the 2 moles of CO₂ and 2 oxygens from the 2 moles of water. In total, we have 6 O, so as we have 3 atoms of oxygen in reactant side, we must have 3 moles to complete the 6 O.

In reactant side we have 2 C

In product side we have 2 C

In reactant side we have 4 H

In product side we have 4 H ( 2 .2, in water)

In reactant and in product side, we have 6 O