Balance The Chemical Equation:$\[ - C_2H_6 + O_2 \rightarrow ? CO_2 + 4 H_2O \\]

Introduction

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. It involves adjusting the coefficients of the reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. In this article, we will focus on balancing the chemical equation: $C_2H_6 + O_2 \rightarrow ? CO_2 + 4 H_2O$. We will break down the steps involved in balancing this equation and provide a clear understanding of the process.

Understanding the Chemical Equation

The given chemical equation is:

$C_2H_6 + O_2 \rightarrow ? CO_2 + 4 H_2O$

This equation represents the combustion of ethane ($C_2H_6$) in the presence of oxygen ($O_2$) to produce carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) and water ($H_2O$). The question mark indicates that we need to balance the equation.

Step 1: Count the Number of Atoms

To balance the equation, we need to count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides.

Reactant side:

• Carbon (C): 2
• Hydrogen (H): 6
• Oxygen (O): 2

Product side:

• Carbon (C): 1
• Hydrogen (H): 8
• Oxygen (O): 7

Step 2: Balance the Carbon Atoms

The first step in balancing the equation is to balance the carbon atoms. Since there are 2 carbon atoms on the reactant side, we need to multiply the carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) by 2 to balance the carbon atoms.

$C_2H_6 + O_2 \rightarrow 2 CO_2 + 4 H_2O$

Step 3: Balance the Hydrogen Atoms

Next, we need to balance the hydrogen atoms. Since there are 6 hydrogen atoms on the reactant side, we need to multiply the water ($H_2O$) by 3 to balance the hydrogen atoms.

$C_2H_6 + O_2 \rightarrow 2 CO_2 + 6 H_2O$

However, this would result in 18 hydrogen atoms on the product side, which is not balanced with the 6 hydrogen atoms on the reactant side. To balance the hydrogen atoms, we need to multiply the ethane ($C_2H_6$) by 3.

$3 C_2H_6 + 7 O_2 \rightarrow 6 CO_2 + 6 H_2O$

Step 4: Balance the Oxygen Atoms

Finally, we need to balance the oxygen atoms. Since there are 14 oxygen atoms on the product side, we need to multiply the oxygen ($O_2$) by 7 to balance the oxygen atoms.

$3 C_2H_6 + 7 O_2 \rightarrow 6 CO_2 + 6 H_2O$

Conclusion

Balancing the chemical equation $C_2H_6 + O_2 \rightarrow ? CO_2 + 4 H_2O$ requires careful counting of the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides. By following the steps outlined above, we can balance the equation and obtain the balanced chemical equation:

$3 C_2H_6 + 7 O_2 \rightarrow 6 CO_2 + 6 H_2O$

This balanced equation represents the combustion of ethane in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.

Tips and Tricks

• Always count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides.
• Balance the atoms of each element separately.
• Use the coefficients of the reactants and products to balance the equation.
• Check the balanced equation to ensure that it is correct.

Common Mistakes

• Failing to count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides.
• Balancing the atoms of one element and then forgetting to balance the atoms of other elements.
• Using the wrong coefficients to balance the equation.

Real-World Applications

Balancing chemical equations has numerous real-world applications, including:

• Understanding chemical reactions and their mechanisms.
• Predicting the products of chemical reactions.
• Designing chemical syntheses and processes.
• Understanding the environmental impact of chemical reactions.

Conclusion

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. By following the steps outlined above, we can balance the chemical equation $C_2H_6 + O_2 \rightarrow ? CO_2 + 4 H_2O$ and obtain the balanced chemical equation:

$3 C_2H_6 + 7 O_2 \rightarrow 6 CO_2 + 6 H_2O$

Introduction

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. In our previous article, we provided a step-by-step guide on how to balance the chemical equation: $C_2H_6 + O_2 \rightarrow ? CO_2 + 4 H_2O$. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about balancing chemical equations.

Q: What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

A: The purpose of balancing chemical equations is to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. This is important because it allows us to predict the products of chemical reactions and understand the mechanisms of chemical reactions.

Q: How do I know if a chemical equation is balanced?

A: A chemical equation is balanced if the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. You can check if a chemical equation is balanced by counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.

Q: What is the difference between a balanced and unbalanced chemical equation?

A: A balanced chemical equation has the same number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides. An unbalanced chemical equation has a different number of atoms of each element on the reactant and product sides.

Q: How do I balance a chemical equation with multiple reactants and products?

A: To balance a chemical equation with multiple reactants and products, you need to balance the atoms of each element separately. Start by balancing the atoms of one element, and then move on to the next element. Use the coefficients of the reactants and products to balance the equation.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations include:

• Failing to count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides.
• Balancing the atoms of one element and then forgetting to balance the atoms of other elements.
• Using the wrong coefficients to balance the equation.

Q: How do I know if I have made a mistake when balancing a chemical equation?

A: If you have made a mistake when balancing a chemical equation, you may notice that the number of atoms of one or more elements is not the same on both the reactant and product sides. You can also use online tools or software to check if your balanced equation is correct.

Q: What are some real-world applications of balancing chemical equations?

A: Balancing chemical equations has numerous real-world applications, including:

• Understanding chemical reactions and their mechanisms.
• Predicting the products of chemical reactions.
• Designing chemical syntheses and processes.
• Understanding the environmental impact of chemical reactions.

Q: Can I use online tools or software to balance chemical equations?

A: Yes, you can use online tools or software to balance chemical equations. There are many online tools and software available that can help you balance chemical equations quickly and easily.

Q: How do I choose the right online tool or software to balance chemical equations?

A: When choosing an online tool or software to balance chemical equations, look for the following features:

• Ease of use: The tool or software should be easy to use and understand.
• Accuracy: The tool or software should be able to balance chemical equations accurately.
• Speed: The tool or software should be able to balance chemical equations quickly.
• Features: The tool or software should have features such as the ability to balance multiple reactants and products, and the ability to check if the balanced equation is correct.

Conclusion

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. By following the steps outlined in our previous article and answering the frequently asked questions in this article, you can become proficient in balancing chemical equations. Remember to always count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides, and use the coefficients of the reactants and products to balance the equation.