Question

select the correct compound. reactants undergo chemical reaction to form products. this chemical equation represents one such reaction. the coefficient for one of the reactants or products is incorrect. which part of the chemical equation is incorrect? 2c₄h₁₀ + 10o₂ → 8co₂ + 10h₂o

Explanation:

Step1: Balance carbon atoms

For the carbon - containing compounds, in $C_4H_{10}$, if we have $2C_4H_{10}$, the number of carbon atoms is $2\times4 = 8$. In $CO_2$, with a coefficient of 8, the number of carbon atoms is also 8, so the carbon - atom balance is correct.

Step2: Balance hydrogen atoms

In $2C_4H_{10}$, the number of hydrogen atoms is $2\times10=20$. In $10H_2O$, the number of hydrogen atoms is $10\times2 = 20$, so the hydrogen - atom balance is correct.

Step3: Balance oxygen atoms

In $10O_2$, the number of oxygen atoms is $10\times2=20$. In $8CO_2$, the number of oxygen atoms is $8\times2 = 16$, and in $10H_2O$, the number of oxygen atoms is 10. The total number of oxygen atoms on the product side is $16 + 10=26$. To balance the oxygen atoms, the coefficient of $O_2$ should be 13. So the incorrect part is the coefficient of $O_2$.

Answer:

The coefficient of $O_2$ (i.e., 10) is incorrect.