What is the balanced equation for the combustion of pentane gas (C5H12)?

1 Answer
anor277
Apr 19, 2018

#C_5H_12(l) + 8O_2(g) rarr 5CO_2(g) +6H_2O(l) + Delta #

Explanation:

The normal rigmarole is balance the carbons (as carbon dioxide), the hydrogens (as water), and THEN balance the oxygens, With an even-numbered alkane, you gots to use a half integral coefficient, i.e...

#C_4H_10(g) + 13/2O_2(g) rarr 4CO_2(g) + 5H_2O(l)+Delta#

...or double the equation entirely...

#2C_4H_10(g) + 13O_2(g) rarr 8CO_2(g) + 10H_2O(l)+2Delta#

What does the #Delta# symbol mean in the given equations?

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