write a balanced chemical equation for the standard formation reaction of liquid ethanol (c₂h₅oh).

Explanation:

Step1: Recall standard - formation concept

A standard - formation reaction is the formation of 1 mole of a compound from its constituent elements in their standard states. The constituent elements of ethanol ($C_2H_5OH$) are carbon (C), hydrogen ($H_2$), and oxygen ($O_2$). Carbon in its standard state is solid graphite (C(s)), hydrogen is $H_2(g)$, and oxygen is $O_2(g)$.

Step2: Write the un - balanced reaction

$C(s)+H_2(g)+O_2(g)\rightarrow C_2H_5OH(l)$

Step3: Balance the equation

We have 2 carbon atoms in ethanol, so we need 2 moles of C(s). There are 6 hydrogen atoms in ethanol, so we need 3 moles of $H_2(g)$. And for the oxygen, there is 1 oxygen atom in ethanol and we have $O_2$ on the left - hand side. So the balanced chemical equation is: $2C(s)+3H_2(g)+\frac{1}{2}O_2(g)\rightarrow C_2H_5OH(l)$

Answer:

$2C(s)+3H_2(g)+\frac{1}{2}O_2(g)\rightarrow C_2H_5OH(l)$