Question

What is the coefficient for O₂ when the following combustion reaction of a fatty acid is properly balanced? C₁₈H₃₆O₂ + __ O₂ → __ CO₂ + __ H₂O

1) 9
2) 26
3) 8
4) 27
5) 1

Answer 1

The coefficient for O₂ in the combustion reaction of a fatty acid C₁₈H₃₆O₂ is 26, after balancing the carbon and hydrogen atoms, and accounting for the oxygen atoms in the reactants and products.

Step-by-step explanation:

Balancing a Combustion Reaction

Balancing a chemical equation involves ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the reaction. Here, we are balancing the combustion reaction of a fatty acid. To determine the coefficient for O₂ when balancing this reaction, we need to follow a step-by-step process:

For the provided fatty acid C₁₈H₃₆O₂, the balanced equation is:

C₁₈H₃₆O₂ + 26 O₂ → 18 CO₂ + 18 H₂O

Thus, the correct coefficient for O₂ in this reaction is 26.