"give an explanation of the combustion reaction of octane." i know how to balance equations and stuff but what exactly do i need to say and do to answer this question?

Thus we can balance the oxygen atoms by putting a prefix of 25/2 on the left side. To obtain a equation containing whole numbers, we multiply the entire equation by 2. This gives the final equation. 2 C8H18 + 25 O2 ---> 16 CO2 +18 H2O.

the enthalpy of formation of water is given as -285.8kj/mol, which states that the enthalpy of formation is negative.

negative enthalpy of formation indicates that the heat is released during the reaction process. the heat is released from reaction to the surroundings the enthalpy is expressed with a negative sign with the energy given out in the reaction process.

the formation of water takes place by giving out heat which is -285.8 kj/mol.