Question

Write a balanced equation for the complete oxidation reaction that occurs when ethane burns in air

Answer 1

Balanced equation : 2C₂H₆ (g) + 7O₂ (g) ⟶ 4CO₂ (g) + 6H₂O (ℓ)

Further explanation

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons that have single bonds in chains

General formula for alkanes :

$\tt \large{\bold{C_nH_{2n+2}}$

Hydrocarbon combustion reactions (specifically alkanes)

$\large {\box {\bold{C_nH _ (_2_n _ + _ 2_) + \dfrac {3n + 1} {2} O_2 \Rightarrow nCO_2 + (n + 1) H_2O}}}$

So that the burning of ethane with air (oxygen):

$\tt C_2H_6+\dfrac{7}{2}O_2\rightarrow 2CO_2+3H_2O$

2C₂H₆ (g) + 7O₂ (g) ⟶ 4CO₂ (g) + 6H₂O (ℓ)

or we can use mathematical equations to solve equilibrium chemical equations by giving the coefficients for each compound involved in the reaction

C₂H₆ (g) + aO₂ (g) ⟶ bCO₂ (g) + cH₂O (ℓ)

C : left 2, right b ⇒ b=2

H: left 6, right 2c⇒ 2c=6⇒ c= 3

O : left 2a, right 2b+c⇒ 2a=2b+c⇒2a=2.2+3⇒2a=7⇒a=7/2