Ethylene (C2H4) burns in oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. What is the correct form of the balanced chemical equation that describes this reaction?

The answer to your question is C₂H₄ + 3O₂ ⇒ 2CO₂ + 2H₂O

Explanation:

Data

Ethylene = C₂H₄

Oxygen = O₂

Carbon dioxide = CO₂

Water = H₂O

Reaction

C₂H₄ + O₂ ⇒ CO₂ + H₂O

Reactant Element Product

2 Carbon 1

4 Hydrogen 2

2 Oxygen 3

This reaction is unbalanced

C₂H₄ + 3O₂ ⇒ 2CO₂ + 2H₂O

Reactant Element Product

2 Carbon 2

4 Hydrogen 4

2 Oxygen 6

Now, the reaction is balanced