. Write a balanced equation for the combustion of propane,
C3H8
When balanced, the equation indicates
that moles of
O2 are required for each mole of C3Hg8

C3H8 + 5O2 = 3CO2 + 4H2O

Explanation:

1.  First start by writing out the unbalanced equation

2.  Count all the atoms on both sides of the equation

C = 3         C =1

H = 8         O=3

O = 2         H =1

3.   Start by balancing the carbon atoms. What would it take to have 3 Carbon atoms on the left? You would add a 3 in front of the carbon atoms on the left side to match the carbon atoms on the right.

4.   Now Try balancing the H atoms. You have 8 H atoms on the right and 1 H atom on the left. To balance these out you would need to add a 4 in front of the H atom which gives you 8 on both sides.

5.  Now balance out the oxygen atoms. Since we added coefficients to the compounds on the left we now have 10 oxygen on the left 4x1=4 + 3x2=6 now balance out the right side of the equation by adding a 5 in front of the O2 5x2 Oxygen gives you 10.

I hope this helps