Question

balance the following equation:
_c₂h₂+ _o₂→_co₂+ _h₂o
when the equation is properly balanced, the correct coefficients are, respectively

Explanation:

Step1: Balance carbon atoms

Let the coefficient of \(C_2H_2\) be \(a\), \(O_2\) be \(b\), \(CO_2\) be \(c\), and \(H_2O\) be \(d\). For carbon atoms: \(2a = c\).

Step2: Balance hydrogen atoms

For hydrogen atoms: \(2a=2d\), so \(a = d\).

Step3: Balance oxygen atoms

For oxygen atoms: \(2b = 2c + d\). Substitute \(c = 2a\) and \(d=a\) into the oxygen - balancing equation: \(2b=2\times(2a)+a\), \(2b = 5a\). Let \(a = 2\) (to get integer coefficients), then \(b = 5\), \(c=4\), \(d = 2\).

Answer:

\(2\), \(5\), \(4\), \(2\)