leslie incorrectly balances an equation as 2c₄h₁₀ + 12o₂ → 8co₂ + 10h₂o. which coefficient should she…
leslie incorrectly balances an equation as 2c₄h₁₀ + 12o₂ → 8co₂ + 10h₂o. which coefficient should she change? 2 8 10 12
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Count carbon atoms
On the left - hand side, for $2C_4H_{10}$, the number of carbon atoms is $2\times4 = 8$. On the right - hand side, in $8CO_2$, the number of carbon atoms is 8. Carbon is balanced.
Step2: Count hydrogen atoms
On the left - hand side, for $2C_4H_{10}$, the number of hydrogen atoms is $2\times10=20$. On the right - hand side, in $10H_2O$, the number of hydrogen atoms is $10\times2 = 20$. Hydrogen is balanced.
Step3: Count oxygen atoms
On the left - hand side, for $12O_2$, the number of oxygen atoms is $12\times2=24$. On the right - hand side, in $8CO_2$ there are $8\times2 = 16$ oxygen atoms and in $10H_2O$ there are 10 oxygen atoms. The total number of oxygen atoms on the right - hand side is $16 + 10=26$. So, the oxygen atoms are unbalanced and the coefficient of $O_2$ needs to be changed.
Answer:
12