Among the four species in this reaction, is species with the largest number of atoms per molecule. Assume that the coefficient of this compound is .
.
Number of atoms on the left-hand side of the reaction:
: .
: .
: not found yet.
By the conservation of atoms, the number of atoms on the right-hand side of the reaction should match those on the left-hand side. In this reaction, is the only product with carbon atoms, whereas is the only product with hydrogen atoms. These carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms would correspond to:
molecules, and
molecules.
.
Number of atoms on the right-hand side of the reaction:
: .
: .
: .
The number of atoms on the left-hand side should match those on the right-hand side. In this reaction, is the only reactant with atoms. These atoms would correspond to: