Question

Balance the following equation
[a]___C2H4 + [b]___O2 ---> [c]___H2O + [d]___CO2 + 1560 kJ

Answer 1

To balance the chemical equation C2H4 + O2 -> H2O + CO2 + 1560 kJ, the correct coefficients are 1, 3, 2, and 2, respectively, resulting in the balanced equation: C2H4 + 3O2 -> 2H2O + 2CO2 + 1560 kJ.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question involves balancing a chemical equation, which is a fundamental concept in chemistry. To balance the equation for the combustion of ethylene (C2H4), you will adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products until the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. Let's apply these steps to the given equation:

Unbalanced: C2H4 + O2 -> H2O + CO2 + 1560 kJ

1. First, balance the carbon (C) atoms by placing a coefficient of 2 before CO2 (since there are two carbon atoms in C2H4).
   
2. Next, balance the hydrogen (H) atoms by placing a coefficient of 2 before H2O (since there are four hydrogen atoms in C2H4).
   
3. Lastly, balance the oxygen (O) atoms. There are now 4 atoms from CO2 and 2 from H2O for a total of 6 atoms of oxygen needed on the reactant side. Therefore, you place a coefficient of 3 before O2.
   
4. Confirm that all atoms are balanced: 2 carbon atoms, 4 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms appear on both sides of the equation.
   

Balanced: C2H4 + 3O2 -> 2H2O + 2CO2 + 1560 kJ