Write a balanced equation for the complete combustion of solid palmitic acid. Remember that oxygen (O2 (g)) is necessary for the combustion to occur, and carbon dioxide gas and water are the only products. Use H2O (l) in the balanced chemical equation because the metabolism of these compounds produces liquid water. Express your answer as a chemical equation. Identify all of the phases in your answer.

Question

Ashlynn Ryan

Chemistry

6 September, 03:36

Write a balanced equation for the complete combustion of solid palmitic acid. Remember that oxygen (O2 (g)) is necessary for the combustion to occur, and carbon dioxide gas and water are the only products. Use H2O (l) in the balanced chemical equation because the metabolism of these compounds produces liquid water. Express your answer as a chemical equation. Identify all of the phases in your answer.

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Answers (1)

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Adeline Johnson · Answer 1

C₁₆H₃₂O₂ (s) + 22O₂ (g) → 16CO₂ (g) + 16H₂O (g)

Explanation:

In order to determine a combustion reaction we should know that:

Reactants are: X compound and O₂

Products are: CO₂ and H₂O

In this case, the X compound is the solid palmitic acid: C₁₆H₃₂O₂

The balanced equation will be:

C₁₆H₃₂O₂ (s) + 22O₂ (g) → 16CO₂ (g) + 16H₂O (g)