Question

Below is the chemical equation for the combustion of ethanol (C₂​H₅​OH). Balance the equation in its simplest possible form.

a) C₂​H₅​OH+3O₂​→2CO₂​+3H₂​O
b) 2C₂​H₅​OH+5O₂​→4CO₂​+6H₂​O
c) C₂​H₅​OH+2O₂→CO₂​+3H₂​O
d) C₂​H₅​OH+O₂​→CO₂+H₂​O

Answer 1

The balanced equation for the combustion of ethanol is 2C₂H₅OH + 5O₂ → 4CO₂ + 6H₂O, representing a complete combustion reaction with all atoms balanced.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct balanced equation for the combustion of ethanol (C₂H₅OH) is b) 2C₂H₅OH + 5O₂ → 4CO₂ + 6H₂O. Balancing a chemical equation involves making sure that there are an equal number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. In option b), there are 4 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 10 oxygen atoms (from ethanol and the 5 diatomic oxygen molecules) on both sides of the equation, confirming it is balanced.