Question

hgo + cl₂ → hgcl + o₂
c + h₂ → ch₄
challenge problem: give it your best shot!
c₂h₆ + o₂ → co₂ + h₂o

Explanation:

Step1: Balance carbon atoms

There are 2 carbon atoms in \(C_2H_6\). So, put a coefficient of 2 in front of \(CO_2\).
\(C_2H_6+O_2
ightarrow2CO_2 + H_2O\)

Step2: Balance hydrogen atoms

There are 6 hydrogen atoms in \(C_2H_6\). So, put a coefficient of 3 in front of \(H_2O\).
\(C_2H_6+O_2
ightarrow2CO_2 + 3H_2O\)

Step3: Balance oxygen atoms

On the right - hand side, there are \(2\times2 + 3\times1=7\) oxygen atoms. So, put a coefficient of \(\frac{7}{2}\) in front of \(O_2\).
\(C_2H_6+\frac{7}{2}O_2
ightarrow2CO_2 + 3H_2O\)
Multiply each coefficient by 2 to get rid of the fraction.
\(2C_2H_6 + 7O_2
ightarrow4CO_2+6H_2O\)

Answer:

\(2C_2H_6 + 7O_2
ightarrow4CO_2+6H_2O\)