14
AssignmentMultiple Choice

Writing and Balancing Chemical Equations

Question 14 • FL-2003350-Chemistry 1 Honors Sem 1 - Flex

What is the chemical equation for the burning of propane if all the products and reactants are in the gas phase?

Answer
A
4H2O(g) + 3CO2(g) + 5O2(g) → C3H8(g)
B
C3H8(g) + 5O2(g) → 3CO2(g) + 4H2O(g)
C
C3H8(g) + O10(g) → 3CO2(g) + 4H2O(l)
D
4H2O(l) + 3CO2(g) → C3H8(g) + 5O2(g)

Explanation

Burning propane is a combustion reaction: propane reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water. Balance the atoms in C3H8 + O2 → CO2 + H2O: 3 carbon atoms require 3CO2, and 8 hydrogen atoms require 4H2O. Those products contain 10 oxygen atoms, so 5O2 is needed; choice B also shows every substance as a gas.

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