To identify which part of the chemical equation has an incorrect coefficient, we need to ensure that the number of each type of atom on the reactants side equals the number on the products side. Let's break down the equation step-by-step:
Given chemical equation:
[tex]\[
2 C_4H_{10} + 10 O_2 \rightarrow 8 CO_2 + 10 H_2O
\][/tex]
Reactants:
1. C_4H_{10} (butane):
- Coefficient: 2
- Number of carbon atoms: [tex]\(2 \times 4 = 8\)[/tex]
- Number of hydrogen atoms: [tex]\(2 \times 10 = 20\)[/tex]
2. O_2 (oxygen):
- Coefficient: 10
- Number of oxygen atoms: [tex]\(10 \times 2 = 20\)[/tex]
Products:
1. CO_2 (carbon dioxide):
- Coefficient: 8
- Number of carbon atoms: [tex]\(8 \times 1 = 8\)[/tex]
- Number of oxygen atoms: [tex]\(8 \times 2 = 16\)[/tex]
2. H_2O (water):
- Coefficient: 10
- Number of hydrogen atoms: [tex]\(10 \times 2 = 20\)[/tex]
- Number of oxygen atoms: [tex]\(10 \times 1 = 10\)[/tex]
Balancing Atoms:
- Carbons:
- Reactants: 8
- Products: 8
- Balance: Correct
- Hydrogens:
- Reactants: 20
- Products: 20
- Balance: Correct
- Oxygens:
- Reactants: 20
- Products: [tex]\(16\, (from\, CO_2) + 10\, (from\, H_2O) = 26\)[/tex]
- Balance: Incorrect (Reactants have 20, but Products have 26)
Since the carbon and hydrogen atoms are balanced but the oxygen atoms are not, it indicates that the coefficient for one of the reactants or products containing oxygen is incorrect. After analyzing, it is evident that the coefficient for [tex]\( O_2 \)[/tex] is incorrect in the chemical equation provided.
