When the reaction shown is correctly balanced,the coefficients are:
________ C₆H₁₄(l) + ________ O₂(g) → ________ CO₂(g) + ________ H₂O(g)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

By counting the atoms on both sides, we can determine the coefficients needed to balance the equation. Starting with carbon, we see that there is one on both sides, so the first coefficient is 1. For hydrogen, there are 2 on the left and 12 on the right, so the coefficient for H2O should be 6. For oxygen, there are 12 on the left and 2 on the right, so the coefficient for O2 should be 6. Finally, for sulfur, there is 1 on each side, so the coefficient for CS2 should be 1. Thus, the balanced equation is:

CS2(l) + 6O2(g) → 2COS(g) + 4H2SO4(g)

which corresponds to choice B.

When the Reaction Shown Is Correctly Balanced,the Coefficients Are