To balance the chemical equation for the combustion of ethane ([tex]$C_2H_6$[/tex]), we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation.
The balanced equation is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{2} \, C_2H_6 + \boxed{7} \, O_2 \rightarrow \boxed{4} \, CO_2 + \boxed{6} \, H_2O \][/tex]
Here are the coefficients:
- The coefficient for [tex]$C_2H_6$[/tex] is [tex]\( \boxed{2} \)[/tex].
- The coefficient for [tex]$O_2$[/tex] is [tex]\( \boxed{7} \)[/tex].
- The coefficient for [tex]$CO_2$[/tex] is [tex]\( \boxed{4} \)[/tex].
- The coefficient for [tex]$H_2O$[/tex] is [tex]\( \boxed{6} \)[/tex].
By putting these coefficients into the equation, we ensure that the number of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms is the same on both sides, thus balancing the equation.
