Question

as part of an experiment, a student burns propane (c3h8) to produce carbon dioxide (co2) and water (h2o). she remembers that she must follow the law of conservation of matter when writing a balance chemical equation. which of these equations adheres to the law of conservation of matter? a c3h8 + o2 -> co2 + h2o b c3h8 + o2 -> 3co2 + h2o c c3h8 + 3o2 -> co2 + 4h2o d c3h8 + 5o2 -> 3co2 + 4h2o

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze carbon atoms

In propane ($C_3H_8$), there are 3 carbon atoms. In a balanced equation, the number of carbon - atoms on the reactant side must equal the number on the product side. In option D, on the product side, in $3CO_2$, the number of carbon atoms is 3 which matches the 3 carbon atoms in $C_3H_8$.

Step2: Analyze hydrogen atoms

In $C_3H_8$, there are 8 hydrogen atoms. In option D, in $4H_2O$, the number of hydrogen atoms is $4\times2 = 8$, which is equal to the number of hydrogen atoms in $C_3H_8$.

Step3: Analyze oxygen atoms

In option D, on the reactant side, in $5O_2$, the number of oxygen atoms is $5\times2=10$. On the product side, in $3CO_2$ there are $3\times2 = 6$ oxygen atoms and in $4H_2O$ there are 4 oxygen atoms, so in total $6 + 4=10$ oxygen atoms.

Answer:

D. $C_3H_8+5O_2
ightarrow3CO_2 + 4H_2O$