The Correct Equation
C₃H₈ + 5O₂ → 3CO₂ + 4H₂O
Explanation
* Propane (C₃H₈): You're correct, one molecule of propane is involved.
* Oxygen (O₂): You're also correct that five molecules of oxygen are needed.
* Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): The correct number of carbon dioxide molecules is three.
* Water Vapor (H₂O): The correct number of water molecules is four.
Why It Works
This equation is balanced, meaning that the number of atoms of each element on the reactant side (left) equals the number of atoms of that element on the product side (right).
* Carbon: 3 carbon atoms on each side.
* Hydrogen: 8 hydrogen atoms on each side.
* Oxygen: 10 oxygen atoms on each side.
Key Point: Chemical equations must always be balanced to obey the Law of Conservation of Mass.
