Question

Butane gas (C4H10) burns in oxygen gas to produce carbon dioxide gas and water vapor. Balance the equation for this reaction (in lowest multiple integers). Write the unbalanced equation for this reaction (listed in the same order as given in the problem).

Answer 1

C₄H₁₀(g) + O₂(g) ⇒ CO₂(g) + H₂O(g)

2 C₄H₁₀(g) + 13 O₂(g) ⇒ 8 CO₂(g) + 10 H₂O(g)

Step-by-step explanation:

Butane gas (C₄H₁₀) burns in oxygen gas to produce carbon dioxide gas and water vapor. The unbalanced equation is:

C₄H₁₀(g) + O₂(g) ⇒ CO₂(g) + H₂O(g)

First, we will balance carbon and hydrogen which are in just one compound on each side.

C₄H₁₀(g) + O₂(g) ⇒ 4 CO₂(g) + 5 H₂O(g)

Finally, we will balance the oxygen atoms.

C₄H₁₀(g) + 6.5 O₂(g) ⇒ 4 CO₂(g) + 5 H₂O(g)

In order to have integers, we will multiply everý compound by 2.

2 C₄H₁₀(g) + 13 O₂(g) ⇒ 8 CO₂(g) + 10 H₂O(g)