Balancing Chemical Equations

Dr. B demonstrates how to balance a combustion reaction for ethane. The process involves identifying the number of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms on both the reactant and product sides. The tutorial emphasizes balancing carbon and hydrogen atoms first, followed by oxygen atoms. By adjusting coefficients, the equation is balanced, ensuring equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides. The video concludes with a confirmation that the equation is balanced.

What is the initial number of oxygen atoms on the product side before balancing?

• Two

• Three

• Four

• One

What coefficient is placed in front of carbon dioxide to balance the carbon atoms?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

How many hydrogen atoms are present on the reactant side before balancing?

• Eight

• Six

• Four

• Two

What coefficient is used in front of water to balance the hydrogen atoms?

• Three

• Two

• Four

• One

After balancing, how many total oxygen atoms are there on the product side?

• Six

• Seven

• Five

• Four

What is the final coefficient placed in front of oxygen to balance the equation?

• Three

• Four

• Two

• One

What is the final balanced equation for the combustion of ethane?

• C2H6 + O2 -> CO2 + H2O

• C2H6 + 3.5O2 -> 2CO2 + 3H2O

• 2C2H6 + 7O2 -> 4CO2 + 6H2O

• C2H6 + 2O2 -> 2CO2 + 2H2O