Question

what coefficient will o2 have after balancing this equation? c4h8 + o2 → co2 + h2o a. 4 b. 8 c. 6 d. 2.5

Explanation:

Step1: Balance carbon atoms

On the left - hand side, there are 4 carbon atoms in $C_4H_8$. So, we put a coefficient of 4 in front of $CO_2$ on the right - hand side: $C_4H_8+O_2
ightarrow4CO_2 + H_2O$.

Step2: Balance hydrogen atoms

There are 8 hydrogen atoms in $C_4H_8$. So, we put a coefficient of 4 in front of $H_2O$ on the right - hand side: $C_4H_8+O_2
ightarrow4CO_2 + 4H_2O$.

Step3: Balance oxygen atoms

On the right - hand side, there are $4\times2 + 4\times1=12$ oxygen atoms in $4CO_2$ and $4H_2O$. So, we put a coefficient of 6 in front of $O_2$ on the left - hand side: $C_4H_8 + 6O_2
ightarrow4CO_2+4H_2O$.

Answer:

C. 6