Equation Balancing

Correct Answer: E. 2, 13, 10, 8

This question requires that you remember the formula for butane and how to create a combustion reaction. First, you have to know that butane has 4 carbons. Then you can use the (2×n)+2 rule to find the number of hydrogens – in this case 10 hydrogens. To remember the amount of carbons in the major hydrocarbons, use the mnemonic “Men Eat Peanut Butter”, or “methane (1 carbon), ethane (2 carbons), propane (3 carbons), butane (4 carbons)”.

The following equation is needed for this question:

C4H10 + O2 -> H2O + CO2

To balance this equation, a 2 should be placed in front of C4H10 to make it easier to balance.
2 C4H10 + O2 -> H2O + CO2

Next, an 8 must be placed on the right side in front of CO2 to balance the carbons.
2 C4H10 + O2 -> H2O + 8 CO2

Next, a 10 must be placed on the right side, in front of H2O to balance the hydrogens.
2 C4H10 + O2 -> 10 H2O + 8 CO2

Finally, a 13 must be placed on the left side, in front of O2 to balance oxygen.
2 C4H10 + 13 O2 -> 10 H2O + 8 CO2

Thus, the coefficients needed to balance this equation are: 2, 13, 10, 8, or answer option [E].

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