Propane burns in oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and steam. Which of the chemical equations matches the reaction above?

A. C3H8 + 5O2 3CO2 + 4H2O

B. C3H8 + 4O2 2CO2 + 4H2O

C. C3H8 + 6O2 2CO2 + 8H2O

D. C3H8 + 6O2 3CO2 + 6H2O

A

Explanation:

Balancing a chemical reaction, we must take into consideration every element both at the reactant and products side.

Since we were told propane reacts with oxygen to produce steam and carbon dioxide, we already have an idea of how the equation would be just remaining balancing the stoichiometry of the equation.

C3H8 + 5O2 》 3CO2 + 4H20

From the equation above,

3 atoms of carbon is present at reactant side and 3 carbon is also at the product side.

8 Hydrogen at reactant = 4 * 2 Hydrogen at product.

10 Oxygen at reactant = 3*2 + 4 oxygen at product

The equation must be balanced because law of conservation of matter must take place in every chemical reaction, matter can neither be created nor destroyed but can change form.