Question

what coefficient would the o₂ have after balancing c₄h₁₀ + o₂ → co₂ + h₂o?
a. 6.5
b. 5
c. 2.5
d. 4

Explanation:

Step1: Balance carbon atoms

For the reaction $C_4H_{10}+O_2
ightarrow CO_2 + H_2O$, there are 4 carbon atoms in $C_4H_{10}$. So, we put a coefficient of 4 in front of $CO_2$: $C_4H_{10}+O_2
ightarrow4CO_2 + H_2O$.

Step2: Balance hydrogen atoms

There are 10 hydrogen atoms in $C_4H_{10}$. So, we put a coefficient of 5 in front of $H_2O$: $C_4H_{10}+O_2
ightarrow4CO_2+5H_2O$.

Step3: Balance oxygen atoms

On the right - hand side, the number of oxygen atoms in $4CO_2$ is $4\times2 = 8$ and in $5H_2O$ is 5. So the total number of oxygen atoms on the right - hand side is $8 + 5=13$. To get 13 oxygen atoms on the left - hand side from $O_2$, we need a coefficient of $\frac{13}{2}=6.5$ in front of $O_2$. The balanced equation is $C_4H_{10}+6.5O_2
ightarrow4CO_2 + 5H_2O$.

Answer:

A. 6.5