Question

Select the appropriate coefficient for O2 when the equation ? O2(g) + ? C5H12(g) → ? CO2(g) + ? H2O(g) is balanced using the smallest possible integers.

Answer 1

4O₂ (g) + 1/2C₅H₁₂ (g) → 5/2CO₂ (g) + 3H₂O (g)

4 would be the smallest possible integer for O₂

Step-by-step explanation:

The balanced equation is this one:

8O₂ (g) + C₅H₁₂ (g) → 5CO₂ (g) + 6H₂O (g)

If we divide stoichiometry /2 (the half) we can consider that we use, the smallest possible integers.

8/2O₂ (g) + 1/2C₅H₁₂ (g) → 5/2CO₂ (g) + 6/2H₂O (g)

4O₂ (g) + 1/2C₅H₁₂ (g) → 5/2CO₂ (g) + 3H₂O (g)