how do i balance this equation, which describes the burning of pentane w/ oxygen. C5H12 + O2--CO2 + H2O?

Answer 1

Generally, the rule for combustion is that you balance Carbon, then Hydrogen and Oxygen:

C5H12 +O2-->CO2 +H2O

Balance C:

C5H12 + O2--->5CO2 +H20

Balance H:

C5H12 +O2--->5CO2 +6H2O

Now finish by balancing O:

C5H12 +8O2--->5CO2 + 6H2O

Answer 2

when doing combustion reactions do the following
for every C in pentane you will produce 1 CO2
for every 2 H in pentane you will produce 1 H20
after that count the O then divide by 2(because it is O2) if you get a fraction you can multiply everything by 2 to get whole numbers. so in your case looks like
C5H12 + 8O2 = 5CO2 + 6H20

Answer 3

I know zip about chemistry but I found this online:

Pentane+Oxygen-->Carbon Dioxide+Water C5H12 + 8O2 -->5CO2 + 6H2O

Isn't it awesome what you can find online with just a few clicks of the mouse!

Answer 4

C5H12 + 8O2 --> 5CO2 + 6H2O