Count the atoms in C₃H₈ + 5O₂ → 3CO₂ + 4H₂O and determine whether the equation is balanced
Reactants have C = 3, H = 8, and O = 10 atoms (C₃H₈ gives 3 C and 8 H; 5O₂ gives 10 O). Products have C = 3, H = 8, and O = 10 atoms (3CO₂ gives 3 C and 6 O; 4H₂O gives 8 H and 4 O). Since each element has the same number of atoms on both sides, the equation is balanced.
What you are checking in a balancing question
A chemical equation is balanced when each element has the same number of atoms in the reactants and in the products. Coefficients (numbers in front) multiply every atom in the formula they are attached to.
Counting atoms on the reactant side
Reactants: $C_3H_8 + 5O_2$
- From $C_3H_8$: $C = 3$, $H = 8$
- From $5O_2$: $O = 5 \times 2 = 10$
So, reactant totals:
- Carbon: $3$
- Hydrogen: $8$
- Oxygen: $10$
Counting atoms on the product side
Products: $3CO_2 + 4H_2O$
- From $3CO_2$: $C = 3 \times 1 = 3$, $O = 3 \times 2 = 6$
- From $4H_2O$: $H = 4 \times 2 = 8$, $O = 4 \times 1 = 4$
So, product totals:
- Carbon: $3$
- Hydrogen: $8$
- Oxygen: $6 + 4 = 10$
Balance check
Compare totals for each element:
- $C: 3 = 3$
- $H: 8 = 8$
- $O: 10 = 10$
All match, so the equation is balanced.
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