Balance The Reaction By Choosing The Correct Coefficients:${ C_8H_{18}(l) + O_2(g) \rightarrow \ldots CO_2(g) + \ldots H_2O(g) }$A. 1, 12.5, 8, 9 B. 2, 25, 16, 18 C. 2, 12.5, 8, 9 D. 1, 1, 8, 9

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Understanding the Basics of Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial concept in chemistry that helps us understand the stoichiometry of chemical reactions. It involves assigning coefficients to the reactants and products in a chemical equation 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 reaction between octane (C8H18) and oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

The Importance of Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is essential in chemistry because it helps us:

  • Understand the stoichiometry of chemical reactions
  • Calculate the amount of reactants and products required for a reaction
  • Determine the limiting reactant in a reaction
  • Predict the products of a reaction

Step-by-Step Guide to Balancing Chemical Equations

To balance a chemical equation, we need to follow these steps:

  1. Write the unbalanced equation: Write the chemical equation with the reactants and products.
  2. Count the atoms: Count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides.
  3. Balance the equation: Assign coefficients to the reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.
  4. Check the balance: Check the balance of the equation by counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides.

Balancing the Reaction between Octane and Oxygen

Let's balance the reaction between octane (C8H18) and oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

C8H18(l)+O2(g)→…CO2(g)+…H2O(g){ C_8H_{18}(l) + O_2(g) \rightarrow \ldots CO_2(g) + \ldots H_2O(g) }

Step 1: Write the unbalanced equation

The unbalanced equation is:

C8H18(l)+O2(g)→…CO2(g)+…H2O(g){ C_8H_{18}(l) + O_2(g) \rightarrow \ldots CO_2(g) + \ldots H_2O(g) }

Step 2: Count the atoms

Count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides:

Reactants:

  • C: 8
  • H: 18
  • O: 2

Products:

  • C: 1
  • O: 2
  • H: 2

Step 3: Balance the equation

To balance the equation, we need to assign coefficients to the reactants and products. Let's start by balancing the carbon atoms. We need 8 carbon atoms on the product side, so we assign a coefficient of 8 to CO2.

C8H18(l)+O2(g)→8CO2(g)+…H2O(g){ C_8H_{18}(l) + O_2(g) \rightarrow 8CO_2(g) + \ldots H_2O(g) }

Next, we balance the hydrogen atoms. We need 18 hydrogen atoms on the product side, so we assign a coefficient of 9 to H2O.

C8H18(l)+O2(g)→8CO2(g)+9H2O(g){ C_8H_{18}(l) + O_2(g) \rightarrow 8CO_2(g) + 9H_2O(g) }

Finally, we balance the oxygen atoms. We need 25 oxygen atoms on the product side, so we assign a coefficient of 12.5 to O2.

C8H18(l)+12.5O2(g)→8CO2(g)+9H2O(g){ C_8H_{18}(l) + 12.5O_2(g) \rightarrow 8CO_2(g) + 9H_2O(g) }

Step 4: Check the balance

Let's check the balance of the equation by counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides:

Reactants:

  • C: 8
  • H: 18
  • O: 25

Products:

  • C: 8
  • O: 25
  • H: 18

The equation is balanced!

Conclusion

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial concept in chemistry that helps us understand the stoichiometry of chemical reactions. By following the steps outlined in this article, we can balance the reaction between octane and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. Remember to count the atoms, balance the equation, and check the balance to ensure that the equation is correct.

Answer Key

The correct answer is:

A. 1, 12.5, 8, 9

Discussion

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

  • Not counting the atoms carefully
  • Not balancing the equation correctly
  • Not checking the balance of the equation

What are some tips for balancing complex chemical equations?

  • Break down the equation into smaller parts
  • Balance one element at a time
  • Use a systematic approach to balance the equation

How do you determine the limiting reactant in a reaction?

  • Calculate the number of moles of each reactant
  • Compare the mole ratio of each reactant
  • Determine the limiting reactant based on the mole ratio
    Balancing Chemical Equations: A Q&A Guide =====================================================

Frequently Asked Questions about Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial concept in chemistry that can be challenging to understand. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about balancing chemical equations to help you better understand the concept.

Q: What is balancing a chemical equation?

A: Balancing a chemical equation involves assigning coefficients to the reactants and products in a chemical equation to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides.

Q: Why is balancing a chemical equation important?

A: Balancing a chemical equation is important because it helps us:

  • Understand the stoichiometry of chemical reactions
  • Calculate the amount of reactants and products required for a reaction
  • Determine the limiting reactant in a reaction
  • Predict the products of a reaction

Q: How do I balance a chemical equation?

A: To balance a chemical equation, follow these steps:

  1. Write the unbalanced equation: Write the chemical equation with the reactants and products.
  2. Count the atoms: Count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides.
  3. Balance the equation: Assign coefficients to the reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.
  4. Check the balance: Check the balance of the equation by counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides.

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

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

  • Not counting the atoms carefully
  • Not balancing the equation correctly
  • Not checking the balance of the equation

Q: How do I determine the limiting reactant in a reaction?

A: To determine the limiting reactant in a reaction, follow these steps:

  1. Calculate the number of moles of each reactant: Calculate the number of moles of each reactant required for the reaction.
  2. Compare the mole ratio of each reactant: Compare the mole ratio of each reactant to determine which reactant is limiting.
  3. Determine the limiting reactant: Determine the limiting reactant based on the mole ratio.

Q: What are some tips for balancing complex chemical equations?

A: Some tips for balancing complex chemical equations include:

  • Break down the equation into smaller parts
  • Balance one element at a time
  • Use a systematic approach to balance the equation

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.

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

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

  • Not including the correct number of atoms of each element
  • Not including the correct number of molecules of each reactant and product
  • Not including the correct phase of each reactant and product

Conclusion

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial concept in chemistry that can be challenging to understand. By following the steps outlined in this article and avoiding common mistakes, you can balance chemical equations with confidence. Remember to count the atoms, balance the equation, and check the balance to ensure that the equation is correct.

Additional Resources

For more information on balancing chemical equations, check out the following resources:

Discussion

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

  • Not counting the atoms carefully
  • Not balancing the equation correctly
  • Not checking the balance of the equation

What are some tips for balancing complex chemical equations?

  • Break down the equation into smaller parts
  • Balance one element at a time
  • Use a systematic approach to balance the equation

How do you determine the limiting reactant in a reaction?

  • Calculate the number of moles of each reactant
  • Compare the mole ratio of each reactant
  • Determine the limiting reactant based on the mole ratio