Question

Propane can be turned into hydrogen by the two-step reforming process. In the first step, propane and water react to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen:

C3H8(g)+3H2O(g)→3CO(g)+7H2(g)

In the second step, carbon monoxide and water react to form hydrogen and carbon dioxide:

CO(g)+H2O(g)→H2(g)+CO2(g)

Write the net chemical equation for the production of hydrogen from propane and water.

Answer 1

C3H8(g)+3H2O(g)→3CO(g)+7H2(g)

CO(g)+H2O(g)→H2(g)+CO2(g)

the common term is CO, so multiply by 3 the second equation

3CO(g)+3H2O(g)→3H2(g)+3CO2(g)

Now add the new equation and the first one

C3H8(g)+3H2O(g)+3CO(g)+3H2O(g)→3CO(g)+7H2(g)+3H2(g)+3CO2(g)

Cancel common terms

C3H8(g)+3H2O(g)+3H2O(g)→7H2(g)+3H2(g)+3CO2(g)

Add common terms

C3H8(g)+6H2O(g)→10H2(g)+3CO2(g)