how to balance the equation of C4H9OH + O2 >CO2 + H2O ?

Question

need to explain...thanx

Answer 1

The point of balancing an equation is to get the same number of each atom on each side.

What I usually do (especially when there is water and oxygen) is balance the non oxygen and hydrogen atoms first. So you have 4 Carbon on the left side, and only one on the right. So you multiply the molecule containing Carbon on the right (CO2) by 4 to balance the carbons. Now you equation looks like this:

C4H9OH + O2 --> 4 CO2 + H2O

Now count the number of Hydrogens. You have 10 on the left side and 2 on the right side. Because the molecule containing the Hydrogen on the right has 2 hydrogen atoms, you only have to multiply by 5. Now your equation looks like this:

C4H9OH + O2 --> 4 CO2 + 5 H2O

Now count the Oxygens. You have 3 on the left side, and 13 on the right side. You need 10 more on the left side. So add 5 more molecules of O2, giving you 6 in all. Your balanced equation:

C4H9OH + 6 O2 --> 4 CO2 + 5 H2O

Now you can go back through and make sure you have the same number of each on each side.

This is a good way to approach all equations. If you have more types of molecules, I would suggest starting with them, nad ending with balancing the C, O, and H.
Remember, you can only change the big numbers out front, not the small numbers in the middle!

Answer 2

In balancing an equation it is usually best to start with elements that appear in only one substance on each side. So, balance C and H first. Remember add numbers in front of the formulas (leave subscripts - the formulas - along). At this point you'll have an odd number (3, don't forget the one in the 1st reactant) of oxygens on the right, and an odd number (4*2+5=13) on the left. So you are NOT going to need to use a fraction in front of O2 in the reactants to balance the equation. Now you'll want to find the number of oxygens that when added to 1 will equal 13, and then figure out what number to put in front of O2 to give you that value.

Answer 3

C4H9OH + (13/2)O2 >>> 4CO2 +5H2O

All you need to do is ensure that there is the same number of each element on each side of the equation.

Answer 4

buthanol, C4H9OH will turn to CO2 thru combustion.
C4H9OH + 13/2 O2 --> 4CO2 + 5H2O
OR: 2C4H9OH + 13O2 --> 8CO2 + 10H2O