Question

How do you write a balanced equation for the combustion (reaction with oxygen gas) of glucose, `C_6H_12O_6`, to give carbon dioxide and water?

Answer 1

`C_6H_12O_6(s) +6O_2(g) rarr 6CO_2(g) +6H_2O`

Explanation:

Is charge balanced? Is mass balanced? Do not trust my arithmetic. How would energy transfer in the reaction? Is the reaction endothermic or exothermic?

As to how I balanced the equation, I know that products of combustion are carbon dioxide and water. Under conditions of complete combustion, a carbohydrate (or alkane) gives stoichiometric carbon dioxide and water. You can balance the oxygen last. Given this it is a fairly easy exercise to ensure that garbage out equal garbage in.