Question

1. Butane gas (C4H10) combusts with oxygen gas (O2) to form water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Write a balanced;’ equation for this reaction and explain the scientific principle that requires the balancing of an equation to make it conform to reality.

Answer 1

2C₄H₁₀ + 13O₂ → 8CO₂ + 10H₂O.

Step-by-step explanation:

• To balance a chemical reaction, we apply the law of conversation of mass, states that the no. of atoms in both sides of the reactants and products is the same.

So, the balanced equation of combustion of butane is:

2C₄H₁₀ + 13O₂ → 8CO₂ + 10H₂O.

• It is clear that 2.0 moles of butane is burned in 13.0 moles of oxygen to produce 8.0 moles of CO₂ and 10.0 moles of H₂O.