Balancing combustion reactions

[reising1]

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I've noticed that combustion is a hot topic on the MCAT, and normally, the balanced equation is not provided.

I'm wondering if there's an easy way (meaning, some kind of rule) for balancing combustion reactions based on the carbon containing reactant? Or maybe there's a rule, at least, for alkanes.

 

[rfvbnmju]

This is what Wiki gave us.

I personally don't memorize this equation but just do it the old fashion way.

 

[reising1]

This is what Wiki gave us.

I personally don't memorize this equation but just do it the old fashion way.

Yeah, too much to memorize already. Old fashioned way it is.

Thanks!

 

[dcamkl1]

Just know that adding O2 to a hydrocarbon will yield CO2 and H2O. So when a passage mentions a particular hydrocarbon, you can just write it on your scrap paper and balance it.

I've never seen that formula before. It makes sense, but there's too many X's and Y's for my brain to remember haha.

 

[reising1]

Just know that adding O2 to a hydrocarbon will yield CO2 and H2O. So when a passage mentions a particular hydrocarbon, you can just write it on your scrap paper and balance it.

I've never seen that formula before. It makes sense, but there's too many X's and Y's for my brain to remember haha.

Yeah, sounds good!