Question

Consider the following chemical equation:

C2H8 + O2 --> CO2 + H2O

Which of the following would be the best practice(s) for balancing the equation? There may or may not be more than one correct answer.

A.Reduce the coefficients if possible.

B.Put a 2 in front of the hydrocarbon.

C.Split the hydrocarbon into individual elements.

D.Split the water into HOH.

E.Keep the hydrocarbon together.

Answer 1

The best way to balancing a combustion equation of an organic compound, like the one in the question, is to start balancing the carbon, then the hydrogen and finish with the oxygen. For that you have to split the hydrocarbon into individual elements. And once you have finished you shall always try to reduce the coefficient if possible. Therefore, the answers are A. and C.