What would be the balanced chemical equation for the complete combustion of butane ( C4H10 .) Select one:
a. 2 C4H10 + 5 CO2 --> 8 NiO2 + 5 H2O
b. 2 C4H10 + 13 O2 --> 8 CO2 + 10 H2O
c. 2 C4H10 + 13 CO2 --> 8 O2 + 10 H2O
d. 4 C4H10 + 6 H2O --> 8 CO2 + 5 O2

The balanced chemical equation b. 2 C₄H₁₀ + 13 O₂ ⇒ 8 CO₂ + 10 H₂O

Given

Butane (C₄H₁₀)

Required

Balanced equation

Solution

Formula

Hydrocarbon combustion reactions (specifically alkanes)

In the combustion process, the compound in the reactants is Oxygen (O₂)

If the oxygen needed for combustion is sufficient (or excess) then the combustion results are in the form of CO₂ and H₂O, but if not enough, CO and H₂O will be obtained.

The only answer that contains O₂ in the reactants is option B

it means there are 3 atoms of oxygen