Propane is a major component of natural gas used as fuel in homes. Write a balanced equation for the complete oxidation reaction that occurs when propane () burns in air.

C₃H₈(g) + 5 O₂(g) → 3 CO₂(g) + 4 H₂O(g)

Explanation:

The chemical formula of propane is C₃H₈. When it burns in air, it reacts with gaseous oxygen (O₂), so carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) are formed. The combustion reaction is the following:

C₃H₈(g) + O₂(g) → CO₂(g) + H₂O(g)

Finally, we have to balance the equation. For this, we write a coefficient 3 in CO₂, then a coefficient 4 in H₂O, and a coefficient 5 in O₂. We obtain the balanced equation:

C₃H₈(g) + 5 O₂(g) → 3 CO₂(g) + 4 H₂O(g)