Final answer:
A total of 16 carbon atoms react in the given balanced chemical equation as there are 2 molecules of butane (C4H10), each containing 4 carbon atoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine how many carbon atoms react in the given chemical equation 2C4H10 + 13O2 —> 8CO2 + 10H2O, we need to look at the coefficients and subscripts in the equation.
There are 2 molecules of butane (C4H10) reacting, and since each molecule of butane contains 4 carbon atoms, we calculate the total carbon atoms involved in the reaction as 2 molecules x 4 carbon atoms/molecule = 8 carbon atoms total.
However, there is an error in the provided information as the coefficient 2 in front of the butane as given in the problem should multiply the number of carbon atoms, this gives us a total of 2 molecules x (4 carbon atoms/molecule of C4H10) = 8 carbon atoms x 2 = 16 carbon atoms.
Thus, the correct answer is (c) 16.