Question

When the equation C2H4 + O2 -> 4 CO2 + H2O is balanced using the smallest whole numbers, what is the coefficient of the O2?

Answer 1

3

Step-by-step explanation:

The unbalanced equation between ethene and oxygen is as follows:

C2H4 + O2 → CO2 + H2O

This equation is unbalanced, however, to balance it, we must ensure that the number of atoms of each element on the reactant and product side are equal.

Hence, based on the explanation above, the balanced equation is as follows;

C2H4 + 3O2 → 2CO2 + 2H2O

In this balanced equation, there are;

- 2 moles of carbon on both sides

- 4 moles of hydrogen on both sides

- 6 moles of oxygen on both sides

According to this question, the coefficient of O2 in the balanced equation is 3.