What number should be substituted for the question mark to balance the equation and why is that the correct number?

2c2h6 +? o2 → 4co2 + 6h2o + heat

The combustion of ethane results in the balanced equation 2C2H6 + 7O2 -> 4CO2 + H2O + energy because we see that after the combustion, the reactants have 8 + 6 = 14 Oxygen atoms in total (8 from 4CO2, 6 from 6H2O). Therefore, since there are 2 atoms of Oxygen in oxygen gas, we have 7O2 molecules in the beginning to hold the ratio true.

To balance an equation, we need to make sure the amount of atoms on the reactants and the products. 

How much oxygen's are on the reactants side? 

Lets count, 4*2 = 8  and 6, so 8+6 = 14

Now, start to predict the number. 

14/2 = 7

7 is the correct answer

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