Question

C8H18(l) + O2(g) -> CO2(g) + H2O(l)

Balance the equation.
a) 2C8H18(l) + 25O2(g)-> 16CO2(g) + 18H2O(l)
b) C8H18(l) + 12.5O2(g) -> 8CO2(g) + 9H2O(l)
c) 2C8H18(l) + 12.5O2(g) -> 16CO2(g) + 18H2O(l)
d) C8H18(l) + 13O2(g) -> 8CO2(g) + 9H2O(l)

Answer 1

The correct balanced chemical equation for the combustion of octane is option (a): 2C8H18(l) + 25O2(g) -> 16CO2(g) + 18H2O(l), containing 16 carbon, 36 hydrogen, and 50 oxygen atoms on each side.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to balance the equation C8H18(l) + O2(g) -> CO2(g) + H2O(l) is option (a): 2C8H18(l) + 25O2(g)-> 16CO2(g) + 18H2O(l). To balance this combustion reaction, we need to ensure that there are equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. By doing this, the balanced chemical equation has 16 carbon atoms, 36 hydrogen atoms, and 50 oxygen atoms on each side, which satisfies the law of conservation of mass. It is important to check your work to ensure all atoms are balanced and to avoid using fractional coefficients whenever possible.