Below is the symbol equation for the reaction of ethane with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. What number is needed in the blank before O_(2) to balance the equation? 2C_(2)H_(6)+ldots O_(2)arrow 4CO_(2)+6H_(2)O

## Step 1:Firstly, recognize the equation provided. The chemical equation describes the combustion of ethane reacting with oxygen gas to form carbon dioxide and water . The question wants to find the number (stoichiometric coefficient) to be written before to balance the entire chemical equation.## Step 2:The balancing of a chemical equation involves making sure that there is an equal number of atoms for each element on both sides – reactants and products - of the equation. In adhering to this rule, remember to balance the hydrogens and carbons first followed by oxygens in combustion reactions.### Start by counting the number of atoms for each element Reactant side: 4 Carbon (C),12 Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O) Product side: 4 Carbon (C),12 Hydrogen (H), 16 oxygen (8 from Carbon-di-oxide + 6 from Water )Hydrogen and carbons are indeed balanced. We now move to balance the remaining oxygen molecules on the reactant.## Step 3:Balance the oxygens last by placing a suitable whole number coefficient to fit the quantity at the products. With the calculation, we get, \(window.sa16\frac{8}{2}) = 7\((2=\frac{total O on products side}{2(coefficient O_{2} )})\), therefore, 7 will replace the