Question detail
Balance the following equation for the cracking of hexane (C6H14) to produce butane (C4H10) and ethene (C2H4). C6H14 → C4H10 + C2H4
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At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock
Question
Balance the following equation for the cracking of hexane (C6H14) to produce butane (C4H10) and ethene (C2H4). C6H14 → C4H10 + C2H4
Answer
C6H14 → C4H10 + C2H4
Explanation
This question tests the student's ability to balance a chemical equation, which is a fundamental skill in chemistry. The balanced equation shows the conservation of mass, indicating that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.
Common mistake
Incorrectly balancing catalytic cracking equations
Students often write the same number of carbon atoms on both sides of the equation but forget to balance the hydrogen atoms, leading to an unbalanced equation that still looks plausible.
Check that the total number of each element is equal on both sides of the equation. After balancing the carbon atoms, count the hydrogen atoms on each side and add the appropriate number of H₂ gas molecules (or other hydrogen-containing products) until the hydrogen atoms are also balanced. Verify the equation by ensuring the sum of the atomic counts for every element is identical on both sides.
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