The Chemical Equation for Combustion of Sugar

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 140 views

Introduction

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. It involves adjusting the coefficients of reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. In this article, we will focus on balancing the chemical equation for the combustion of sugar, which is a fundamental concept in chemistry.

The Chemical Equation for Combustion of Sugar

The chemical equation for the combustion of sugar is:

${ C_6H_{12}O_6(s) + O_2(g) \rightarrow CO_2(g) + H_2O(l) }$

This equation represents the reaction between sugar (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

Balancing the Equation

To balance the equation, we need to adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products. The goal is to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Let's start by counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation:

Carbon (C): 6 (on the reactant side) vs. 1 (on the product side)
Hydrogen (H): 12 (on the reactant side) vs. 2 (on the product side)
Oxygen (O): 6 (on the reactant side) vs. 3 (on the product side)

We can see that the number of atoms of each element is not the same on both sides of the equation. To balance the equation, we need to adjust the coefficients.

Step 1: Balance Carbon Atoms

To balance the carbon atoms, we need to multiply the coefficient of CO2 by 6. This will give us 6 CO2 molecules, which will have a total of 6 carbon atoms.

${ C_6H_{12}O_6(s) + O_2(g) \rightarrow 6CO_2(g) + H_2O(l) }$

Step 2: Balance Hydrogen Atoms

To balance the hydrogen atoms, we need to multiply the coefficient of H2O by 6. This will give us 6 H2O molecules, which will have a total of 12 hydrogen atoms.

${ C_6H_{12}O_6(s) + O_2(g) \rightarrow 6CO_2(g) + 6H_2O(l) }$

Step 3: Balance Oxygen Atoms

To balance the oxygen atoms, we need to multiply the coefficient of O2 by 6. This will give us 6 O2 molecules, which will have a total of 12 oxygen atoms.

${ C_6H_{12}O_6(s) + 6O_2(g) \rightarrow 6CO_2(g) + 6H_2O(l) }$

Conclusion

The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of sugar is:

${ C_6H_{12}O_6(s) + 6O_2(g) \rightarrow 6CO_2(g) + 6H_2O(l) }$

This equation represents the reaction between sugar and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. By balancing the equation, we have ensured that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Discussion

Now that we have balanced the equation, let's discuss the different options for the sequence of coefficients.

A. 1, 6, 6, 6

This option is incorrect because it does not balance the equation.

B. 6, 1, 6, 1

This option is also incorrect because it does not balance the equation.

C. 3, 6, 6, 6

This option is correct because it balances the equation.

Therefore, the correct sequence of coefficients is:

C. 3, 6, 6, 6

This option balances the equation and represents the correct sequence of coefficients.

Final Answer

Introduction

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. It involves adjusting the coefficients of reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. In this article, we will provide a Q&A guide to help you understand how to balance chemical equations.

Q: What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

A: The purpose of balancing chemical equations is to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. This is important because it helps to:

Verify the law of conservation of mass
Ensure that the equation is correct
Provide a clear understanding of the reaction

Q: How do I balance a chemical equation?

A: To balance a chemical equation, follow these steps:

Write the unbalanced equation
Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation
Adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products to balance the equation
Check that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation

Q: What are the common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations?

A: The common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations are:

Not counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation
Not adjusting the coefficients correctly
Not checking that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation

Q: How do I know if a chemical equation is balanced?

A: A chemical equation is balanced if the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. You can check this by:

Counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation
Checking that the coefficients of the reactants and products are correct

Q: What are some common types of chemical reactions that require balancing?

A: Some common types of chemical reactions that require balancing are:

Combustion reactions
Synthesis reactions
Decomposition reactions
Replacement reactions

Q: How do I balance a complex chemical equation?

A: To balance a complex chemical equation, follow these steps:

Break down the equation into smaller parts
Balance each part separately
Combine the balanced parts to form the final balanced equation

Q: What are some tips for balancing chemical equations?

A: Some tips for balancing chemical equations are:

Use a systematic approach to balance the equation
Check your work carefully to ensure that the equation is balanced
Use a calculator or computer program to help with the balancing process

Conclusion

Balancing chemical equations is an important step in understanding chemical reactions. By following the steps outlined in this Q&A guide, you can ensure that your chemical equations are balanced and accurate. Remember to use a systematic approach, check your work carefully, and use a calculator or computer program to help with the balancing process.

Common Balancing Mistakes

Not counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation
Not adjusting the coefficients correctly
Not checking that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation

Balancing Practice Problems

Balance the following equation: C6H12O6(s) + O2(g) → CO2(g) + H2O(l)
Balance the following equation: 2Na(s) + Cl2(g) → 2NaCl(s)
Balance the following equation: Ca(s) + H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2(aq)

Answer Key

C6H12O6(s) + 6O2(g) → 6CO2(g) + 6H2O(l)
2Na(s) + Cl2(g) → 2NaCl(s)
Ca(s) + 2H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2(aq)