When propane (C₃H₈) undergoes combustion, it reacts with oxygen (O₂) to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). This is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat and light, which is why propane is used as fuel.

Here is the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of propane:

C₃H₈ + 5O₂ → 3CO₂ + 4H₂O

This equation shows that for every molecule of propane that is burned, 5 molecules of oxygen are required to produce 3 molecules of carbon dioxide and 4 molecules of water.