C6H8 + O2 = CO2 + H2O
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Step 1: Write the Unbalanced Equation
C6H8+O2→CO2+H2OC_6H_8 + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O
Step 2: Balance Carbon (C) Atoms
There are six carbon atoms in C₆H₈, so we need six CO₂ molecules:
C6H8+O2→6CO2+H2OC_6H_8 + O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + H_2O
Step 3: Balance Hydrogen (H) Atoms
There are eight hydrogen atoms in C₆H₈, so we need four H₂O molecules:
C6H8+O2→6CO2+4H2OC_6H_8 + O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 4H_2O
Step 4: Balance Oxygen (O) Atoms
On the right side, we have:
- 6 CO₂ molecules → 6 × 2 = 12 oxygen atoms
- 4 H₂O molecules → 4 × 1 = 4 oxygen atoms
Total = 16 oxygen atoms. So we need 8 O₂ molecules:
C6H8+8O2→6CO2+4H2OC_6H_8 + 8O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 4H_2O
Explanation:
Combustion reactions involve oxygen reacting with a hydrocarbon to produce carbon dioxide and water. Hex-1-yne (C₆H₈) is an alkyne with a triple bond. When it combusts, the carbon atoms form carbon dioxide (CO₂), and hydrogen atoms form water (H₂O). The key principle of balancing is ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation. Oxygen is adjusted last since it is present in multiple compounds. Proper balancing ensures the reaction follows the conservation of mass.
