Question

write a balanced chemical equation based on the following description:
solid c₄h₁₀o reacts with oxygen gas to produce carbon dioxide gas and water vapor
c₄h₁₀o(s) + o₂(g) →

Explanation:

Step1: Write the un - balanced equation

The reaction is \(C_4H_{10}O(s)+O_2(g)\to CO_2(g)+H_2O(g)\)

Step2: Balance the carbon atoms

There are 4 carbon atoms in \(C_4H_{10}O\). So, we put a 4 in front of \(CO_2\). The equation becomes \(C_4H_{10}O(s)+O_2(g)\to4CO_2(g)+H_2O(g)\)

Step3: Balance the hydrogen atoms

There are 10 hydrogen atoms in \(C_4H_{10}O\). So, we put a 5 in front of \(H_2O\). The equation becomes \(C_4H_{10}O(s)+O_2(g)\to4CO_2(g)+5H_2O(g)\)

Step4: Balance the oxygen atoms

On the right - hand side, the number of oxygen atoms in \(4CO_2\) is \(4\times2 = 8\) and in \(5H_2O\) is 5. So, the total number of oxygen atoms on the right - hand side is \(8 + 5=13\). On the left - hand side, there is 1 oxygen atom in \(C_4H_{10}O\). Let the coefficient of \(O_2\) be \(x\). Then \(1 + 2x=13\), solving for \(x\) gives \(x = 6\)

Answer:

\(C_4H_{10}O(s)+6O_2(g)\to4CO_2(g)+5H_2O(g)\)