Question

The balanced equation below represents the oxidation process for propane. $$ \mathrm{C}_3 \mathrm{H}_8+5 \mathrm{O}_2 \rightarrow 3 \mathrm{CO}_2+4 \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O} $$ Which of the following describes the reaction shown above? A. Oxygen reacts with propane to create carbon dioxide and water. B. Oxygen and propane react to create water. C. Oxygen is converted into carbon dioxide. D. Propane is converted into water.

Short answer

A. Oxygen reacts with propane to create carbon dioxide and water.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the reactants and products

In the balanced equation, the reactants are propane (C3H8) and oxygen (O2), and the products are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

Analyze the reaction

Propane reacts with oxygen, which serves as the oxidizing agent. The carbon atoms in propane are oxidized and form carbon dioxide, while the hydrogen atoms in propane are oxidized and form water.

Match the reaction with the correct statement

By analyzing the reactants and products, we can see that the correct statement is: A. Oxygen reacts with propane to create carbon dioxide and water.