What is the balanced equation of the reaction between gaseous propane and oxygen gas?

Answer

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Hint: Before answering this question, we should know In this reaction, the combustion of propane is happening. Firstly, let’s understand the meaning of combustion. The chemical reaction between the two substances and oxygen is involved in it with the production of heat and light is known as combustion.

Complete answer:
The chemical equation for the reaction of gaseous propane and the oxygen gas is-

C_{3} H_{8} + O_{2} \to C O_{2} + H_{2} O

Now, we will balance this chemical equation
Firstly, balance the carbon atoms-

C_{3} H_{8} + O_{2} \to 3 C O_{2} + H_{2} O

Then we will balance the hydrogen atoms-

C_{3} H_{8} + O_{2} \to 3 C O_{2} + 4 H_{2} O

And then finally the oxygen atoms-
The oxygen atoms on the product side are:

3 \times 2 + 4 \times 1

= 6+4 = 10 moles of oxygen whereas the oxygen atoms on the reactant side are: 2 moles of oxygen, so to make it even, we have to multiply the reactant side by 5 to get 10 moles as well.
So, the chemical equation would be:

C_{3} H_{8} + 5 O_{2} \to 3 C O_{2} + 4 H_{2} O

Now, we can look at the equation and can see whether it is completely balanced or not. All the atoms on the product side have moles equal to that on the reactant side.
The equation seems balanced so,
The balanced chemical equation is -

C_{3} H_{8} + 5 O_{2} \to 3 C O_{2} + 4 H_{2} O

There is one condition- if the oxygen is present in a little amount or present in a huge amount, then the equation produces carbon monoxide which is known as soot, the equation in that condition would be-

2 C_{3} H_{8} + 9 O_{2} \to 4 C O_{2} + 2 C O + 8 H_{2} O

Note:
Steps to balance the chemical equation: Look for the most complicated compound. Try to add a stoichiometric coefficient on both sides. If there are any polyatomic ions on both sides of the equation, try to balance them. Leave the simpler molecules for the end. If there is any fractional.