[Roger2012]

hi all,

I'm very new to chemistry and just need help balancing the following equation. Would be really grateful for any assistance.

    C4H8       +     O2           --->     CO2      +        H2O

I cant seem to figure it out.

i got the below answer but I'm told I'm wrong.

C4H8   + 8O2    =    4CO2   +  4H2O

any helpers?

[Arkcon]

C₄H₈   + 8O₂    =    4CO₂   +  4H₂O

C-4  -->  C--4
H-8  -->  H--4X2=8
O-8X2=16 ->  O--4X2+4=12

Sorry, not balanced.  You will have to find the least common denominator across all reactants and products.  Try by working backwards from the products and just one of the reactants.

[Roger2012]

Thanks for your reply.

would this be correct then?

C4H8   + 6O2    =    4CO2   +  4H2O

[Arkcon]

Yes.  Did you realize the A-ha?  The two products depended on the amount of C₄H₈ .  Fiddling with the amounts of that reactant or the two products affected all of them.  The oxygen was the one you should start with.

[Roger2012]

Got it.thanks for your help mate