1. Write the balanced chemical equation:

The combustion of a hydrocarbon (like methane, CH4) produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The balanced equation for the combustion of methane is:

CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O

2. Determine the mole ratio:

The balanced equation tells us that 2 moles of oxygen (O2) are required to produce 1 mole of carbon dioxide (CO2).

3. Convert grams of oxygen to moles:

* Find the molar mass of oxygen (O2): 16 g/mol (O) * 2 = 32 g/mol (O2)

* Divide the mass of oxygen by its molar mass: 54 g / 32 g/mol = 1.69 moles of O2

4. Calculate moles of CO2:

* Use the mole ratio from the balanced equation: 1.69 moles O2 * (1 mol CO2 / 2 mol O2) = 0.845 moles CO2

Therefore, 54 grams of oxygen can produce 0.845 moles of carbon dioxide.