Question

balance the chemical equation using the smallest possible whole number coefficients. if the coefficient is 1, you may leave it blank. c₂h₄ (g) → c₄h₈ (l)

Explanation:

Step1: Count atoms

On the left side (reactant): \(2\) carbon (\(C\)) and \(4\) hydrogen (\(H\)) in \(C_{2}H_{4}\). On the right side (product): \(4\) carbon (\(C\)) and \(8\) hydrogen (\(H\)) in \(C_{4}H_{8}\).

Step2: Balance carbon and hydrogen

To balance carbon: since \(4\div2 = 2\), put a coefficient of \(2\) in front of \(C_{2}H_{4}\). Now for hydrogen: \(2\times4=8\) (from \(2C_{2}H_{4}\)) and \(8\) (from \(C_{4}H_{8}\)).

Answer:

\(2\) \(C_{2}H_{4}(g)\to1\) \(C_{4}H_{8}(l)\) (coefficient \(1\) can be left blank as per instruction, so the filled - in boxes: first box \(2\), second box (left blank as \(1\) is allowed to be blank))