Which equation best represents the combustion of ethanol (C3H7OH)? A) C3H7OH + 9O2 => 3CO2 + 4H2O B) C3H7OH + 6O2 => 3CO2 + 2H2O C) C3H7OH + 5O2 => 3CO2 + 6H2O D) C3H7OH + 4O2 => 3... Which equation best represents the combustion of ethanol (C3H7OH)? A) C3H7OH + 9O2 => 3CO2 + 4H2O B) C3H7OH + 6O2 => 3CO2 + 2H2O C) C3H7OH + 5O2 => 3CO2 + 6H2O D) C3H7OH + 4O2 => 3CO2 + 7H2O
Understand the Problem
The question is asking which of the given options correctly represents the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of ethanol. To solve this, we will need to determine the correct stoichiometric coefficients that balance the reactants and products during the combustion process.
Answer
The answer is not clearly among given options; combustion usually involves 9/2 O2 (or 4.5 if not a whole number).
The correct equation representing the combustion of ethanol (C3H7OH) is: C3H7OH + 9/2 O2 => 3 CO2 + 4 H2O, which simplifies to C3H7OH + 4.5 O2 => 3 CO2 + 4 H2O. However, among the given options, none provide this exact equation, but C3H7OH + 9 O2 => 3 CO2 + 4 H2O (not listed among your options) is a similar variant using whole number coefficients.
Answer for screen readers
The correct equation representing the combustion of ethanol (C3H7OH) is: C3H7OH + 9/2 O2 => 3 CO2 + 4 H2O, which simplifies to C3H7OH + 4.5 O2 => 3 CO2 + 4 H2O. However, among the given options, none provide this exact equation, but C3H7OH + 9 O2 => 3 CO2 + 4 H2O (not listed among your options) is a similar variant using whole number coefficients.
More Information
The actual balanced equation involves fractional O2 (9/2), hence adjustments in real-world or coursework problems to use whole numbers.
Tips
A common mistake is overlooking the need to balance using fractional coefficients or to forget the whole number adjustment in educational settings.
Sources
- What is the complete combustion of propanol (C3H7OH) with oxygen? - socratic.org
- C3H7OH + O2 = CO2 + H2O - Chemical Equation Balancer - chemicalaid.com
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