Final answer:
To complete and balance the combustion reaction of ethane (CH3CH3), the balanced chemical equation is 2CH3CH3 + 7O2 → 4CO2 + 6H2O, showing that complete combustion produces carbon dioxide and water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has been asked to complete and balance the combustion reaction for ethane (CH3CH3), which is a hydrocarbon. The equation for the combustion of ethane with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water is as follows:
CH3CH3 + O2 → CO2 + H2O
To balance this equation, start by ensuring you have the same number of atoms of each element on both sides. The balanced equation is:
2CH3CH3 + 7O2 → 4CO2 + 6H2O
This balanced equation shows that the complete combustion of ethane requires seven molecules of oxygen and yields four molecules of carbon dioxide and six molecules of water. Remember, the balancing of chemical equations involves ensuring that the law of conservation of mass is followed, meaning that the same number of each type of atom occurs on both sides of the equation.