Final answer:
The complete combustion of acetic acid (CH₃COOH) in the presence of oxygen results in carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O), with the balanced equation being CH₃COOH(l) + 2O₂(g) → 2CO₂(g) + 2H₂O(l).
Step-by-step explanation:
The balanced chemical equation for the complete combustion of acetic acid (CH₃COOH) is as follows:
CH₃COOH(l) + 2O₂(g) → 2CO₂(g) + 2H₂O(l)
In this reaction, acetic acid (CH₃COOH), which is the main active ingredient in vinegar, is combusted in the presence of oxygen (O₂) to form carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). This process is a complete combustion because all the carbon in acetic acid is converted into CO₂, and all the hydrogen is converted into H₂O, with no other products formed.
Acetic acid is a simple organic compound with the chemical formula CH3COOH. It's a colorless liquid with a pungent smell and a sour taste. It's also commonly known as ethanoic acid.
Key points about acetic acid:
Natural Occurrence: Acetic acid is found naturally in vinegar, which is a dilute solution of acetic acid in water. It's produced through the fermentation of sugars or ethanol by acetic acid bacteria.