Question

1) Write a balanced equation to show the reaction of gaseous ethane with gaseous oxygen to form carbon monoxide gas and water vapor.

Answer 1

C₂H₆(g) + 2.5 O₂(g) ⇒ 2 CO(g) + 3 H₂O(g)

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's consider the unbalanced equation in which gaseous ethane reacts with gaseous oxygen to form carbon monoxide gas and water vapor. This is an incomplete combustion reaction.

C₂H₆(g) + O₂(g) ⇒ CO(g) + H₂O(g)

We will balance it using the trial and error method.

First, we will balance C atoms by multiplying CO by 2 and H atoms by multiplying H₂O by 3.

C₂H₆(g) + O₂(g) ⇒ 2 CO(g) + 3 H₂O(g)

Then, we get the balanced equation by multiplying O₂ by 2.5.

C₂H₆(g) + 2.5 O₂(g) ⇒ 2 CO(g) + 3 H₂O(g)