How many total oxygen (O) atoms are present on the products side of the equation C2H5OH+3O2→2CO2+3H2O
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To determine the total number of oxygen (O) atoms present on the products side of the chemical equation:
[
\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH} + 3\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{CO}_2 + 3\text{H}_2\text{O}
]
we need to analyze the products: (2\text{CO}_2) (carbon dioxide) and (3\text{H}_2\text{O}) (water).
Step 1: Analyze the Products
- Carbon Dioxide (( \text{CO}_2 )):
- Each molecule of ( \text{CO}_2 ) contains 2 oxygen atoms.
- Since there are 2 molecules of ( \text{CO}_2 ):
[
2 \text{CO}_2 \rightarrow 2 \times 2 = 4 \text{ oxygen atoms}
]
- Water (( \text{H}_2\text{O} )):
- Each molecule of ( \text{H}_2\text{O} ) contains 1 oxygen atom.
- Since there are 3 molecules of ( \text{H}_2\text{O}):
[
3 \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 3 \times 1 = 3 \text{ oxygen atoms}
]
Step 2: Calculate Total Oxygen Atoms
Now, we can add the number of oxygen atoms from both products:
[
\text{Total O atoms} = \text{O from } \text{CO}_2 + \text{O from } \text{H}_2\text{O}
]
[
\text{Total O atoms} = 4 + 3 = 7
]
Conclusion
Thus, the total number of oxygen atoms present on the products side of the equation is 7 oxygen atoms.
Understanding this reaction is essential in various fields, such as chemistry and environmental science, as it represents the combustion of ethanol (C2H5OH), a common alcohol. The reaction highlights how ethanol combines with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water, reflecting energy release and the transformation of chemical substances during combustion. This balanced equation illustrates the conservation of mass, where the total number of atoms before and after the reaction remains constant. Such fundamental principles are crucial for further studies in chemical reactions and their applications.