Question

What is the balanced equation for the complete combustion of `C_3H_7COC_2H_5`?

Answer 1

`2C_3H_7COC_2H_5+17O_2->12CO_2+12H_2O`

Explanation:

Complete combustion of `C_3H_7COC_2H_5` in oxygen will produce Carbon dioxide and water. If `a,b,c,d` are the respective molecules in the balanced equation, we have

`aC_3H_7COC_2H_5+bO_2->cCO_2+dH_2O`

Lets start with `a=1`. Balancing the number of carbon on both sides we obtain `c=6`. And the equation becomes
`aC_3H_7COC_2H_5+bO_2->6CO_2+6H_2O`

`C_3H_7COC_2H_5+bO_2->6CO_2+dH_2O`
Now balancing hydrogen atoms we obtain `d=6`. And the equation becomes

`C_3H_7COC_2H_5+bO_2->6CO_2+6H_2O`
Now balancing `O` atoms we see that it `b=17/2`
Multiplying all with 2 we obtain balanced equation as

`2C_3H_7COC_2H_5+17O_2->12CO_2+12H_2O`