Chapter SH, Problem 19.7APP

To determine

To balance: The given equation.

Answer to Problem 19.7APP

The balanced equation is:

  $4{\text{C}}_2\text{H}+9{\text{O}}_2\to 8{\text{CO}}_2+2{\text{H}}_2\text{O}$

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The following equation:

  $\underset{\_}{}{\text{C}}_2\text{H}+\underset{\_}{}{\text{O}}_2\to \underset{\_}{}{\text{CO}}_2+\underset{\_}{}{\text{H}}_2\text{O}$

Calculation:

Count and list the atoms found on both sides of the equation:

  ${\text{ C}}_2\text{H }+{\text{ O}}_2\to {\text{ CO}}_2+{\text{ H}}_2\text{O}$

  

The carbon atoms are unbalanced. Put a 2 in front of C. This balances the carbon atoms. To balance hydrogen atoms, put a 2 in front of ${\text{C}}_2\text{H}$ . This again unbalances carbon atoms. Put a 4 in front of ${\text{CO}}_2$ to balance them. To balance oxygen put a 9 in front of ${\text{O}}_2$ , 8 in front of ${\text{CO}}_2$ and 2 in front of ${\text{H}}_2\text{O}$ . To balance carbon again, put a 4 in front of ${\text{C}}_2\text{H}$ . This also balances the hydrogen atoms. The balanced equation is:

  $4{\text{C}}_2\text{H}+9{\text{O}}_2\to 8{\text{CO}}_2+2{\text{H}}_2\text{O}$

Conclusion:

The balanced equation is:

  $4{\text{C}}_2\text{H}+9{\text{O}}_2\to 8{\text{CO}}_2+2{\text{H}}_2\text{O}$