# What is the balanced equation for the complete combustion of "C"_2"H"_6"?

Apr 12, 2017

Balanced Equation:

${\text{2C"_2"H"_6 + "7O}}_{2}$$\rightarrow$$\text{4CO"_2 + "6H"_2"O}$

#### Explanation:

General rules for balancing combustion equations:

1. Balance the carbons: If the alkane has an even number of carbon atoms, place a coefficient of 2 in front of its formula, then balance the carbons.
2. Balance the hydrogens.
3. Balance the oxygens.

Balance the carbons. Since the formula for the alkane $\text{C"_2"H"_6}$ has an even number of carbon atoms, place a coefficient of $2$ in front of its formula first. Next place a $4$ in front of the $\text{CO"_2}$.

color(red)("2")"C"_2"H"_6 + "O"_2$\rightarrow$color(red)("4")"CO"_2 + "H"_2"O"

Balance the hydrogens.
Place a $6$ in front of the $\text{H"_2"O}$.

${\text{2C"_2"H"_6 + "O}}_{2}$$\rightarrow$$\text{4CO"_2 + color(red)("6")"H"_2"O}$

Balance the oxygens.
Place a $7$ in front of the $\text{O"_2}$.

${\text{2C"_2"H"_6 + color(red)("7")"O}}_{2}$$\rightarrow$$\text{4CO"_2 + "6H"_2"O}$