Multiple Choice
When fossil fuels, which are primarily hydrocarbons, are burned during combustion analysis, what substance do they react with?
70
views
3. Chemical Reactions
Combustion Analysis
Multiple Choice
Which of the following are the main products formed during the complete combustion of ethane (C_2H_6)?
A
CO and H_2O
B
CH_4 and O_2
C
C and H_2O
D
CO_2 and H_2O
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that complete combustion of a hydrocarbon involves reacting the hydrocarbon with oxygen (O_2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO_2) and water (H_2O) as the main products.
Write the general form of the complete combustion reaction for ethane (C_2H_6):
\[ C_2H_6 + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O \]
Balance the carbon atoms by ensuring the number of CO_2 molecules equals the number of carbon atoms in ethane (which is 2):
\[ C_2H_6 + O_2 \rightarrow 2CO_2 + H_2O \]
Balance the hydrogen atoms by ensuring the number of H_2O molecules corresponds to the hydrogen atoms in ethane (6 hydrogens means 3 water molecules):
\[ C_2H_6 + O_2 \rightarrow 2CO_2 + 3H_2O \]
Finally, balance the oxygen atoms by adjusting the O_2 molecules on the reactant side. Count the oxygen atoms on the product side (2×2 from CO_2 plus 3×1 from H_2O) and divide by 2 to find the O_2 coefficient.
Related Videos
Related Practice
