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Ch.4 - Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Chapter 4, Problem 1

Complete and balance each combustion reaction equation: a. C(s) + O2(g) → b. C3H8O(l) + O2(g) → c. CS2(s) + O2(g) → d. C4H6(g) + O2(g) →

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1
Identify the type of reaction: Combustion reactions involve a substance reacting with oxygen to produce oxides, typically carbon dioxide and water.
For each reaction, write the unbalanced equation with the expected products: a. C(s) + O_2(g) → CO_2(g), b. C_3H_8O(l) + O_2(g) → CO_2(g) + H_2O(g), c. CS_2(s) + O_2(g) → CO_2(g) + SO_2(g), d. C_4H_6(g) + O_2(g) → CO_2(g) + H_2O(g).
Balance the carbon atoms first by ensuring the number of carbon atoms on the reactant side equals the number of carbon atoms in the carbon dioxide on the product side.
Next, balance the hydrogen atoms by adjusting the number of water molecules on the product side to match the hydrogen atoms in the reactants.
Finally, balance the oxygen atoms by adjusting the number of O_2 molecules on the reactant side to match the total number of oxygen atoms needed in the products.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Combustion Reactions

Combustion reactions are chemical processes in which a substance (usually a hydrocarbon) reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy. These reactions are typically exothermic, meaning they release heat. Understanding the general form of combustion reactions is essential for balancing the equations correctly.
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Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is achieved by adjusting the coefficients of the reactants and products. A balanced equation reflects the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.
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Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the quantitative relationship between the reactants and products in a chemical reaction. It allows chemists to calculate the amounts of substances consumed and produced in a reaction based on the balanced equation. Mastery of stoichiometry is crucial for accurately predicting the outcomes of combustion reactions and determining the required amounts of reactants.
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