Question

Write a balanced chemical equation based on the following description: butanoic acid, C₃H₇COOH() burns in air 

Answer 1

When hydrocarbon burns in air it produce CO2 and H2O

The reaction is:

C3H7COOH (l) + O2(g) -> CO2(g) + H2O(g)

Balance C:

C3H7COOH (l) + O2(g) -> 4 CO2(g) + H2O(g)

Balance H:

C3H7COOH (l) + O2(g) -> 4 CO2(g) + 4 H2O(g)

Balance O:

C3H7COOH (l) + 5 O2(g) -> 4 CO2(g) + 4 H2O(g)

The equation is now balanced

Answer:

C₃H₇COOH (l) + 5 O₂(g) -> 4 CO₂(g) + 4 H₂O(g)