Set up a system of equations, and use it to balance the chemical equation for the given reaction.
-$\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{O}_{2}$ react to produce $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$.
A) $2 \mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{2}+5 \mathrm{O}_{2} \rightarrow 4 \mathrm{CO}_{2}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$
B) $4 \mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{2}+3 \mathrm{O}_{2} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{CO}_{2}+6 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$
C) $2 \mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{2}+3 \mathrm{O}_{2} \rightarrow 4 \mathrm{CO}_{2}+3 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$
D) $4 \mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{2}+5 \mathrm{O}_{2} \rightarrow 6 \mathrm{CO}_{2}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The balanced chemical equation is $2 \mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{2}+5 \mathrm{O}_{2} \rightarrow 4 \mathrm{CO}_{2}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$. This balances the carbon and hydrogen atoms from $\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{2}$ and the oxygen atoms from $\mathrm{O}_{2}$ to produce $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$ in the correct stoichiometric ratios.

Set Up a System of Equations, and Use It to Balance