C₂H₅OH + 3O₂ → 2CO₂ + 3H₂O
Here's a breakdown:
* C₂H₅OH: Ethanol (the fuel)
* 3O₂: Oxygen (from the air)
* 2CO₂: Carbon dioxide (a product of combustion)
* 3H₂O: Water (another product of combustion)
The equation is balanced because there are the same number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation:
* Carbon (C): 2 on each side
* Hydrogen (H): 6 on each side
* Oxygen (O): 7 on each side
This equation represents the complete combustion of ethanol, which is a highly exothermic reaction that releases heat and light.
