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What coefficient is placed in front of O2 to complete the balancing of the following equation?

What coefficient is placed in front of O2 to complete the balancing of the following-example-1
User Pieter Maes
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1 Answer

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To know the coefficients we must balance the equation. To balance it we count the atoms of each element on each side of the reaction. In the following image I will count the atoms and I will modify them as the coefficients are placed:

We start by balancing the carbon. We have 4 carbons in the reactants, so we put the coefficient 4 in front of the CO2 molecule. I will update the image and recount the atoms.

Now we continue with the hydrogen, we have 10 hydrogens in the reactants, we put the coefficient 5 in the H2O molecule to have the same amount of hydrogens. I will update the image and recount the atoms.

Now we continue with the oxygen, we have 13 oxygens in the products. We put the coefficient 13/2 in the O2 molecule. I will update the image and recount the atoms.

We have the balanced equation. To get integers we multiply the equation by 2. I will update the image and recount the atoms.

So, the answer will be: D) 13

What coefficient is placed in front of O2 to complete the balancing of the following-example-1
User BabyishTank
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