Question

Enter an equation for the formation of C2H5OH(l) from its elements in their standard states. Enter any reference to carbon as C(s). Express your answer as a chemical equation. Identify all of the phases in your answer.

Answer 1

C(s) + 3 H₂(g) + 1/2 O₂(g) ⇒C₂H₅OH(l)

Step-by-step explanation:

Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) is an alcohol and it is formed by carbon (C), H (hydrogen) and O (oxygen) atoms. These elements in their standard states are:

C: C(s), it is solid, could be graphite, diamond, among others.

H: H₂(g), it is a diatomic gas.

O: O₂(g), it is a diatomic gas.

So, we can write the equation for the formation of C₂H₅OH from C(s), H₂ and O₂ as follows:

C(s) + H₂(g) + O₂(g) ⇒C₂H₅OH(l)

Finally, we have to balance the equation by adding the estequiometrical coefficients:

C(s) + 3 H₂(g) + 1/2 O₂(g) ⇒C₂H₅OH(l)

Answer 2

2C(s)+3
`H_(2)`(g)+
`(1)/(2)`
`O_(2)`(g)→
`C_(2)`
`H_(5)`OH(l)

Step-by-step explanation:

Standard state of carbon: C(s)

Standard state of oxygen:
`O_(2)`(g)

Standard State of Hydrogen:
`H_(2)`(g)

Then balance the equation C2H5OH(l) to get 2C(s)+3
`H_(2)`(g)+
`(1)/(2)`
`O_(2)`(g)→
`C_(2)`
`H_(5)`OH(l).