This chemistry question involves key chemical concepts and calculations. The detailed solution below walks through each step, from identifying the reaction type to computing the final answer.
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To write the combustion reaction equation for C_2H_6, we react it with oxygen (O_2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO_2) and water (H_2O). Step 1: Write the unbalanced equation. C_2H_6 + O_2 → CO_2 + H_2O Step 2: Balance the carbon atoms. There are 2 carbon atoms on the left (C_2H_6), so we need 2 molecules of CO_2 on the right. C_2H_6 + O_2 → 2CO_2 + H_2O Step 3: Balance the hydrogen atoms. There are 6 hydrogen atoms on the left (C_2H_6), so we need 3 molecules of H_2O on the right (3 × 2 = 6). C_2H_6 + O_2 → 2CO_2 + 3H_2O Step 4: Balance the oxygen atoms. Count the oxygen atoms on the right side: From 2CO_2: 2 × 2 = 4 oxygen atoms. From 3H_2O: 3 × 1 = 3 oxygen atoms. Total oxygen atoms on the right = 4 + 3 = 7. Since oxygen on the left is in the form of O_2, we need (7)/(2) molecules of O_2 to get 7 oxygen atoms. C_2H_6 + (7)/(2)O_2 → 2CO_2 + 3H_2O Step 5: Clear the fraction by multiplying the entire equation by 2. 2(C_2H_6) + 2((7)/(2)O_2) → 2(2CO_2) + 2(3H_2O) 2C_2H_6 + 7O_2 → 4CO_2 + 6H_2O Step 6: Verify the balance. Left side: Carbon: 2 × 2 = 4 Hydrogen: 2 × 6 = 12 Oxygen: 7 × 2 = 14 Right side: Carbon: 4 × 1 = 4 Hydrogen: 6 × 2 = 12 Oxygen: (4 × 2) + (6 × 1) = 8 + 6 = 14 The equation is balanced. The final balanced combustion reaction equation for C_2H_6 is: 2C_2H_6 + 7O_2 → 4CO_2 + 6H_2O