Question

Consider the chemical reaction
aC2H6 + bCO2 + cH2O → dC2H5OH,
where a, b, c, and d are unknown positive integers. The reaction mush be balanced; that is, the number of atoms of each element must be the same before and after the reaction. For example, because the number of oxygen atoms must remain the same,
2b+c=d.
While there are many possible choices for a, b, c, and d that balance the reaction, it is customary to use the smallest possible integers. Balance this reaction.
a=
b=
c=
d=

Answer 1

Explanation:

aC2H6 + bCO2 + cH2O → dC2H5OH

The balanced equation for the reaction is given as;

6C2H6 + 2CO2 + 3H2O → 7C2H5OH

Check!

Oxygen

Reactant = 2 * 2  +  3  =  7

Product = 7

Carbon

Reactant = 6 * 2  +  2  = 14

Product = 7 * 2 =14

Hydrogen

Reactant = 6 * 6  + 3 * 2  = 42

Product = 7 * 5 + 7 * 1 = 42

a = 6

b = 2  

c =  3

d = 7