To determine how many moles of [tex]\( O_2 \)[/tex] are required to generate 3 moles of [tex]\( CO_2 \)[/tex], let's examine the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of propane:
[tex]\[ C_3H_8 + 5 O_2 \rightarrow 4 H_2O + 3 CO_2 \][/tex]
From this balanced equation, we can see that:
- 1 mole of [tex]\( C_3H_8 \)[/tex] reacts with 5 moles of [tex]\( O_2 \)[/tex]
- This results in the formation of 3 moles of [tex]\( CO_2 \)[/tex].
Therefore, the number of moles of [tex]\( O_2 \)[/tex] required to produce 3 moles of [tex]\( CO_2 \)[/tex] can be directly obtained from the stoichiometry of the balanced equation. It states that to produce 3 moles of [tex]\( CO_2 \)[/tex], 5 moles of [tex]\( O_2 \)[/tex] are needed.
Thus, the correct answer is:
D. 5 moles
