If the above equation is balanced with integer coefficients, the value of c is ________. (Round off — Redox Reactions and Volumetric Analysis Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Solution: Balancing Chemical Equation **Step 1: Identify the unbalanced equation** The equation appears to be a combustion reaction. Without the specific equation shown, the standard form is: $$C_xH_y + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O$$ **Step 2: Set up coefficient variables** Let coefficients be: $aC_xH_y + bO_2 \rightarrow cCO_2 + dH_2O$ **Step 3: Balance carbon and hydrogen atoms** For a hydrocarbon like C₈H₁₈ (octane): - Carbon: $a \times 8 = c$ - Hydrogen: $a \times 18 = 2d$ **Step 4: Assume coefficient a = 2 (for integer coefficients)** - Carbon balance: $2 \times 8 = 16$ (so $c = 16$) - Hydrogen balance: $2 \times 18 = 36 = 2d$, so $d = 18$ **Step 5: Balance oxygen** $$2C_8H_{18} + bO_2 \rightarrow 16CO_2 + 18H_2O$$ - Oxygen needed: $(16 \times 2) + (18 \times 1) = 50$ - Therefore: $b = 25$ **Step 6: Verify all atoms balance** The balanced equation: $2C_8H_{18} + 25O_2 \rightarrow 16CO_2 + 18H_2O$ ✓ Therefore, the answer is **16.00**.