Question

balancing chemical equations
cynthia wison

which element are we going to balance last?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall balancing rules

In balancing chemical equations, usually, elements like hydrogen ($H$) and carbon ($C$) are balanced before oxygen ($O$).

Step2: Analyze the given equation

For the equation \(C_{x}H_{y}+O_{2}\to CO_{2}+H_{2}O\), first balance \(C\) (by adjusting the coefficient of \(CO_{2}\) according to the number of \(C\) atoms in the hydrocarbon) and \(H\) (by adjusting the coefficient of \(H_{2}O\) according to the number of \(H\) atoms in the hydrocarbon). Then balance \(O\) (by adjusting the coefficient of \(O_{2}\)).

Answer:

O (oxygen)