1. Pentane gas (C5H12) combusts with oxygen gas (O2) to form water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Write a balanced chemical equation for this reaction and explain the scientific principle (statement) that requires the balancing of an equation to make it conform to reality.

C5H12 + 8O2 → 6H2O + 5CO2

Explanation:

Pentane + Oxygen --> Water + Carbon dioxide

C5H12 + O2  --> H2O + CO2

The balanced equation is given as;

C5H12 + 8O2 → 6H2O + 5CO2

The principle is the law of conservation of matter that states that matter cannot be created nor destroyed. Hence, the reactants pretty much recombine to form the products.

The number of atoms remains conserved.