Write the balanced chemical equations for the complete combustion of acetic acid (ch3cooh), the main active ingredient in vinegar.

A combustion reaction usually happens when a hydrocarbon is reacted with an oxygen molecule producing water and carbon dioxide. It is an exothermic reaction which means it releases heat as the process proceeds. It is a spontaneous process where it readily happens without any supply of energy. The total kinetic energy of the reactants is greater than the activation energy that is why heat is being released. Acetic acid is a carboxylic acid and is classified as a hydrocarbon so when reacted with oxygen, it would yield carbon dioxide and water. The balanced chemical reaction would be as follows

CH3COOH + 2 O2 = 2 CO2 +2 H2O