Writing the Unbalanced Equation

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 29 views

Understanding the Combustion Reaction

The combustion reaction of acetaldehyde, denoted as ${$ CH_3CHO $}$, involves the reaction of the organic compound with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. This process is a crucial aspect of chemistry, as it helps us understand the fundamental principles of chemical reactions and the properties of various substances.

Writing the Unbalanced Equation

To begin with, we need to write the unbalanced equation for the combustion of acetaldehyde. The unbalanced equation can be represented as:

${$ CH_3CHO + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O $}$

This equation shows the reactants and products involved in the combustion reaction, but it is not balanced, meaning that the number of atoms of each element is not equal on both the reactant and product sides.

Balancing the Equation

To balance the equation, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides. Let's start by balancing the carbon atoms. There is one carbon atom on the reactant side, so we need to have one carbon atom on the product side as well. The carbon atom is present in the carbon dioxide molecule, so we can write the balanced equation as:

${$ CH_3CHO + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O $}$

Next, we need to balance the hydrogen atoms. There are four hydrogen atoms on the reactant side, so we need to have four hydrogen atoms on the product side as well. The hydrogen atoms are present in the water molecule, so we can write the balanced equation as:

${$ CH_3CHO + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + 2H_2O $}$

Finally, we need to balance the oxygen atoms. There are three oxygen atoms on the reactant side, so we need to have three oxygen atoms on the product side as well. The oxygen atoms are present in the carbon dioxide and water molecules, so we can write the balanced equation as:

${$ 2CH_3CHO + 3O_2 \rightarrow 2CO_2 + 4H_2O $}$

Conclusion

In conclusion, the balanced equation for the combustion of acetaldehyde is:

${$ 2CH_3CHO + 3O_2 \rightarrow 2CO_2 + 4H_2O $}$

This equation indicates that 3 moles of ${$ O_2 $}$ are required for each 2 moles of ${$ CH_3CHO $}$. Therefore, the correct answer is:

a) 1.5

However, since the options are 1, 2, and none of the options match the calculated value, we can conclude that the correct answer is not among the options provided.

Key Takeaways

The combustion reaction of acetaldehyde involves the reaction of the organic compound with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.
The balanced equation for the combustion of acetaldehyde is ${$ 2CH_3CHO + 3O_2 \rightarrow 2CO_2 + 4H_2O $}$.
3 moles of ${$ O_2 $}$ are required for each 2 moles of ${$ CH_3CHO $}$.

Additional Information

The combustion reaction of acetaldehyde is an exothermic reaction, meaning that it releases heat energy.
The reaction is also a redox reaction, meaning that it involves the transfer of electrons from one substance to another.
The balanced equation can be used to calculate the amount of oxygen required for the combustion of a given amount of acetaldehyde.
Q&A: Balancing Equations for Combustion Reactions =====================================================

Frequently Asked Questions

In this article, we will address some of the most common questions related to balancing equations for combustion reactions.

Q: What is a combustion reaction?

A: A combustion reaction is a chemical reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen to produce heat and light. Combustion reactions are often exothermic, meaning that they release heat energy.

Q: How do I write the unbalanced equation for a combustion reaction?

A: To write the unbalanced equation for a combustion reaction, you need to identify the reactants and products involved in the reaction. The reactants are the substances that are being burned, and the products are the substances that are produced as a result of the reaction.

Q: How do I balance the equation for a combustion reaction?

A: To balance the equation for a combustion reaction, you need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both the reactant and product sides. You can do this by adding coefficients to the reactants and products.

Q: What is the difference between a balanced and unbalanced equation?

A: A balanced equation is an equation in which the number of atoms of each element is equal on both the reactant and product sides. An unbalanced equation is an equation in which the number of atoms of each element is not equal on both the reactant and product sides.

Q: How do I determine the number of moles of oxygen required for a combustion reaction?

A: To determine the number of moles of oxygen required for a combustion reaction, you need to balance the equation for the reaction. Once the equation is balanced, you can use the coefficients to determine the number of moles of oxygen required.

Q: What is the significance of balancing equations for combustion reactions?

A: Balancing equations for combustion reactions is important because it allows us to determine the amount of oxygen required for a reaction. This is crucial in many industrial and technological applications, such as power generation and chemical processing.

Q: Can you provide an example of a balanced equation for a combustion reaction?

A: Yes, here is an example of a balanced equation for the combustion of acetaldehyde:

${$ 2CH_3CHO + 3O_2 \rightarrow 2CO_2 + 4H_2O $}$

This equation indicates that 3 moles of ${$ O_2 $}$ are required for each 2 moles of ${$ CH_3CHO $}$.

Q: How do I know if an equation is balanced?

A: To determine if an equation is balanced, you need to count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides. If the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides, then the equation is balanced.

Q: Can you provide some tips for balancing equations?

A: Yes, here are some tips for balancing equations:

Start by balancing the elements that appear only once on each side of the equation.
Use coefficients to balance the elements that appear more than once on each side of the equation.
Check your work by counting the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides.

Conclusion

In conclusion, balancing equations for combustion reactions is an important skill that is used in many industrial and technological applications. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can learn how to balance equations for combustion reactions and determine the amount of oxygen required for a reaction.