The Unbalanced Equation for the Oxidation of Butene

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 20 views

Chemical equations are a fundamental concept in chemistry, representing the interaction between reactants and products in a chemical reaction. However, not all chemical equations are balanced, meaning that the number of atoms of each element is not equal on both the reactant and product sides. In this article, we will explore the concept of balancing chemical equations, focusing on the oxidation of butene as an example.

What is a Balanced Chemical Equation?

A balanced chemical equation is a chemical equation in which the number of atoms of each element is equal on both the reactant and product sides. This means that the number of atoms of each element is conserved during the reaction. A balanced chemical equation is essential for understanding the stoichiometry of a reaction, which is the quantitative relationship between reactants and products.

The Unbalanced Equation for the Oxidation of Butene

The unbalanced equation for the oxidation of butene is:

C_4H_8 + 6O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O

In this equation, butene ( $C_4H_8$ ) reacts with oxygen ( $O_2$ ) to produce carbon dioxide ( $CO_2$ ) and water ( $H_2O$ ). However, this equation is not balanced, meaning that the number of atoms of each element is not equal on both sides.

Balancing the Equation

To balance the equation, we need to add coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants and products. The coefficients are numbers that indicate the number of molecules of each substance that participate in the reaction. The goal is to make the number of atoms of each element equal on both sides of the equation.

Let's start by balancing the carbon atoms. There are 4 carbon atoms on the reactant side, so we need to add a coefficient of 4 in front of the formula for carbon dioxide ( $CO_2$ ) on the product side:

C_4H_8 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 4CO_2 + H_2O

Next, we need to balance the hydrogen atoms. There are 8 hydrogen atoms on the reactant side, so we need to add a coefficient of 4 in front of the formula for water ( $H_2O$ ) on the product side:

C_4H_8 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 4CO_2 + 4H_2O

Finally, we need to balance the oxygen atoms. There are 12 oxygen atoms on the product side (4 oxygen atoms in each carbon dioxide molecule and 4 oxygen atoms in each water molecule), so we need to add a coefficient of 6 in front of the formula for oxygen ( $O_2$ ) on the reactant side:

C_4H_8 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 4CO_2 + 4H_2O

The equation is now balanced, meaning that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides.

Conclusion

Balancing chemical equations is an essential step in understanding chemical reactions. By adding coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants and products, we can make the number of atoms of each element equal on both sides of the equation. In this article, we used the oxidation of butene as an example to illustrate the concept of balancing chemical equations. By following the steps outlined above, we can balance any chemical equation and gain a deeper understanding of the chemical reaction.

How Many Molecules of Carbon Dioxide and Water are Produced?

Now that we have balanced the equation, we can answer the question of how many molecules of carbon dioxide and water are produced for each molecule of butene that reacts. According to the balanced equation, 4 molecules of carbon dioxide are produced for each molecule of butene that reacts. Similarly, 4 molecules of water are produced for each molecule of butene that reacts.

Answer

For each molecule of $C_4H_8$ that reacts, 4 molecules of carbon dioxide ( $CO_2$ ) and 4 molecules of water ( $H_2O$ ) are produced.

Discussion

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. By adding coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants and products, we can make the number of atoms of each element equal on both sides of the equation. In this article, we used the oxidation of butene as an example to illustrate the concept of balancing chemical equations. By following the steps outlined above, we can balance any chemical equation and gain a deeper understanding of the chemical reaction.

References

Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., & Herring, F. G. (2006). General chemistry: Principles and modern applications. Prentice Hall.
Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2006). Physical chemistry. Oxford University Press.

Keywords

Balancing chemical equations
Oxidation of butene
Stoichiometry
Chemical reactions
Coefficients
Atoms
Elements
Chemical equations
Balancing Chemical Equations: A Q&A Guide =====================================================

In our previous article, we explored the concept of balancing chemical equations, focusing on the oxidation of butene as an example. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about balancing chemical equations.

Q: What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

A: The purpose of balancing chemical equations is to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both the reactant and product sides. This is essential for understanding the stoichiometry of a reaction, which is the quantitative relationship between reactants and products.

Q: How do I balance a chemical equation?

A: To balance a chemical equation, you need to add coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants and products. The coefficients are numbers that indicate the number of molecules of each substance that participate in the reaction. The goal is to make the number of atoms of each element equal on both sides of the equation.

Q: What are the steps to balance a chemical equation?

A: The steps to balance a chemical equation are:

Write the unbalanced equation.
Count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides.
Add coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants and products to make the number of atoms of each element equal on both sides.
Check the balanced equation to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides.

Q: How do I know when a chemical equation is balanced?

A: A chemical equation is balanced when the number of atoms of each element is equal on both the reactant and product sides. You can check this by counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.

Q: What is the difference between a balanced and unbalanced chemical equation?

A: A balanced chemical equation has the same number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides, while an unbalanced chemical equation has a different number of atoms of each element on both sides.

Q: Can I balance a chemical equation by trial and error?

A: While it is possible to balance a chemical equation by trial and error, it is not the most efficient way to do so. A better approach is to use a systematic method, such as the one outlined above, to balance the equation.

Q: How do I know which coefficients to add to balance a chemical equation?

A: To determine which coefficients to add, you need to count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides. Then, you can add coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants and products to make the number of atoms of each element equal on both sides.

Q: Can I balance a chemical equation with multiple reactants and products?

A: Yes, you can balance a chemical equation with multiple reactants and products. The steps outlined above can be applied to any chemical equation, regardless of the number of reactants and products.

Q: How do I check if a balanced chemical equation is correct?

A: To check if a balanced chemical equation is correct, you need to count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides. If the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides, then the equation is balanced.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations include:

Adding coefficients that are not necessary
Adding coefficients that make the equation unbalanced
Forgetting to count the number of atoms of each element on both sides
Not checking the balanced equation to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides.

Conclusion

Balancing chemical equations is an essential step in understanding chemical reactions. By following the steps outlined above, you can balance any chemical equation and gain a deeper understanding of the chemical reaction. Remember to count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides, and to add coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants and products to make the number of atoms of each element equal on both sides.

References

Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., & Herring, F. G. (2006). General chemistry: Principles and modern applications. Prentice Hall.
Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2006). Physical chemistry. Oxford University Press.

Keywords

Balancing chemical equations
Stoichiometry
Chemical reactions
Coefficients
Atoms
Elements
Chemical equations