Which of the following is a correct balanced chemical equation?

The correct answer is Option 1: 2C4H10(l) + 13O2(g) → 8CO2(g) + 10H2O.

Key Points

• The chemical equation 2C4H10(l) + 13O2(g) → 8CO2(g) + 10H2O represents the complete combustion of butane (C4H10).
• In a balanced chemical equation, the number of atoms of each element on the reactant side must equal those on the product side.
• Here, 2 molecules of butane react with 13 molecules of oxygen to produce 8 molecules of carbon dioxide and 10 molecules of water.
• The balancing ensures that carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms are conserved during the reaction according to the law of conservation of mass.
• This equation is commonly used in the study of hydrocarbon combustion reactions.

Additional Information

• Combustion Reaction
  • A combustion reaction occurs when a hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
  • Complete combustion happens when there is enough oxygen available, producing CO2 and H2O as the only products.
• Law of Conservation of Mass
  • This law states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.
  • In a balanced equation, the mass and number of atoms on the reactant side must equal the mass and number of atoms on the product side.
• Hydrocarbons
  • Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting entirely of carbon and hydrogen.
  • They are categorized into alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes based on the type of bonds between carbon atoms.
  • Butane (C4H10) is an alkane, characterized by single bonds between carbon atoms.
• Importance of Combustion Reactions
  • Combustion reactions are crucial for energy production in industries, vehicles, and households.
  • Fuels like propane, butane, and methane undergo combustion to generate heat and power.