2 C₄H₁₀ + 13 O₂ → 8 CO₂ + 10 H₂O
Here's a breakdown of the reaction:
* Isobutane (C₄H₁₀): This is the fuel, a branched-chain alkane.
* Oxygen (O₂): This is the oxidizer, needed for combustion.
* Carbon dioxide (CO₂): This is one of the primary products of combustion.
* Water (H₂O): This is the other primary product of combustion.
Balancing the equation:
* Carbon: There are 4 carbon atoms on the left side and 8 on the right side. We need to put a coefficient of 2 in front of C₄H₁₀.
* Hydrogen: There are 10 hydrogen atoms on the left side and 10 on the right side. This is already balanced.
* Oxygen: There are 13 oxygen atoms on the left side and 26 on the right side. We need to put a coefficient of 13 in front of O₂.
Now the equation is balanced, ensuring that the same number of each type of atom is present on both sides of the equation.