Final answer:
The balanced equation for the combustion of octane (C8H18) is 2C8H18(l) + 25O2(g) → 16CO2(g) + 18H2O(l), where the reactants undergo a combustion reaction producing carbon dioxide and water, and energy is released.
Step-by-step explanation:
The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of octane (C8H18) is:
2C8H18(l) + 25O2(g) → 16CO2(g) + 18H2O(l)
In a combustion reaction, a hydrocarbon (in this case, octane, which is a component of gasoline) reacts with oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). This type of reaction releases energy, often in the form of heat and light. To balance the equation, we must ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.