Balance the following equations and indicate whether they are combination, decomposition, or combustion reactions: (a) C₃H₆(s) + O₂(g) → CO₂(g) + H₂O(l)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of reaction: This is a combustion reaction because it involves a hydrocarbon (C_3H_6) reacting with oxygen (O_2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO_2) and water (H_2O).
2. Write the unbalanced chemical equation: C_3H_6(s) + O_2(g) → CO_2(g) + H_2O(l).
3. Balance the carbon atoms: There are 3 carbon atoms in C_3H_6, so place a coefficient of 3 in front of CO_2 to balance the carbon atoms.
4. Balance the hydrogen atoms: There are 6 hydrogen atoms in C_3H_6, so place a coefficient of 3 in front of H_2O to balance the hydrogen atoms.
5. Balance the oxygen atoms: Count the total oxygen atoms needed on the right side (3 CO_2 gives 6 O atoms and 3 H_2O gives 3 O atoms, totaling 9 O atoms). Place a coefficient of 9/2 in front of O_2 to balance the oxygen atoms, or multiply the entire equation by 2 to avoid fractions.

Key Concepts

Types of Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions can be classified into several types, including combination, decomposition, and combustion reactions. A combination reaction involves two or more substances combining to form a single product, while a decomposition reaction involves a single compound breaking down into two or more simpler products. Combustion reactions typically involve a hydrocarbon reacting with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is essential to ensure that the law of conservation of mass is upheld, meaning the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of the equation. This process involves adjusting the coefficients of the reactants and products to achieve balance. It is crucial for accurately representing the quantities of substances involved in a chemical reaction.

Combustion of Hydrocarbons

The combustion of hydrocarbons, such as C3H6, is a specific type of reaction where the hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. This reaction releases energy in the form of heat and light, making it an exothermic process. Understanding the products and reactants involved in combustion is vital for identifying the reaction type and balancing the equation correctly.