Enter a balanced equation for the combustion of gaseous ethane (c2h6), a minority component of natural gas, in which it combines with gaseous oxygen to form gaseous carbon dioxide and gaseous water. express you answer as a chemical equation including phases.

2c2h6(g) + 7o2(g) --> 4co2(g) + 6h20(g) Balancing the equation is trial and error, but this gives 4 carbons, 12 hydrogens, and 14 oxygens on either side of the equation. All of the phases stay gaseous since that is what is stated in the problem.

The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of gaseous ethane (C2H6) is given by;  

2C2H6(g) + 7O2(g) --> 4CO2(g) + 6H2O(g)

Further Explanation: Chemical equations  Chemical equations are equations showing reactions between reactants to form products. Chemical equations shows the reactants or starting substances and products or substances formed during the reaction. For example; 2C2H6(g) + 7O2(g) --> 4CO2(g) + 6H2O(g)

C2H6 and O2 are the reactants while CO2 and H2O are the products.

Law of conservation of mass  The law of conservation requires that when writing chemical equations, the mass of the reactants should be equal; to the mass of the products. This is done by making sure the number of atoms of each element involved in the chemical equation is equal on both sides of the equation. To ensure the law of conservation in chemical equations is observed we balance chemical equations. Balancing chemical equation: Balancing chemical equations is a try and error method that ensures the number of atoms in the side of the reactants is equal to the number of atoms in the side of products. Balancing chemical equations may also require inclusion of state symbols which shows the state of each compound or element involved in the chemical reaction. In the reaction:

2C2H6(g) + 7O2(g) --> 4CO2(g) + 6H2O(g)

It is balanced with; 4 carbon atoms, 14 oxygen atoms, and 12 hydrogen atoms .Ethane, oxygen, carbon dioxide and water, all are in gaseous state.

Keywords: Chemical equations, balancing of chemical equations

Learn more about: Chemical equations: Balancing of chemical equations: Law of conservation of mass:

Level: high school  

Subject: Chemistry  

Topic: Chemical equations

Sub-topic: Balancing chemical equations