Question

Write and balance the equation for the combustion of the fatty acid lauric acid, (C12H24O2)Write and balance the equation for the combustion of the fatty acid stearic acid, (C18H36O2).

Answer 1

1) Write the chemical equation.

`C_(12)H_(24)O_2+O_2\rightarrow CO_2+H_2O`

List the elements in the reaction.

Reactants

C: 12

H: 24

O: 4

Products

C: 1

H: 2

O: 3

2) Balance C.

`C_(12)H_(24)O_2+O_2\rightarrow12CO_2+H_2O`

List the elements in the reaction.

Reactants

C: 12

H: 24

O: 4

Products

C: 12

H: 2

O: 25

3) Balance H.

`C_(12)H_(24)O_2+O_2\rightarrow12CO_2+12H_2O`

List the elements in the reaction.

Reactants

C: 12

H: 24

O: 4

Products

C: 12

H: 24

O: 36

4) Balance O.

`C_(12)H_(24)O_2+17O_2\rightarrow12CO_2+12H_2O`

List the elements in the reaction.

Reactants

C: 12

H: 24

O: 36

Products

C: 12

H: 24

O: 36

5) Balanced chemical equation.

`C_(12)H_(24)O_2+17O_2\rightarrow12CO_2+12H_2O`