Balance the following reaction. Leave the box empty if no other coefficient is needed. C2H5 + O2 → CO2 + H2O

Answer: -

4C₂H₅ + 13 O₂ → 8 CO₂ + 10 H₂O

Explanation: -

The given equation is

C₂H₅ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O

Balancing for H,

2C₂H₅ + O₂ → CO₂ + 5H₂O

Balancing for C

2C₂H₅ + O₂ → 4CO₂ + 5H₂O

Now right hand side we are getting 13 O which is an odd number.

In order to balance O, we first try to even out the number of O on right side by multiplying whole equation by 2.

4C₂H₅ + 2O₂ → 8CO₂ + 10H₂O

Now balancing for O

4C₂H₅ + 13 O₂ → 8 CO₂ + 10 H₂O