- **Balanced Equation:**
The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of ethanol (C2H5OH) in air to form carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and release heat can be represented as follows:
C2H5OH + 3O2 → 2CO2 + 3H2O + heat
- **Explanation:**
- **Ethanol Combustion:** Ethanol is a type of alcohol that can undergo combustion when exposed to oxygen in the air. During combustion, the ethanol molecules react with oxygen molecules to produce carbon dioxide and water vapor as products.
- **Balanced Equation:** The balanced equation for the combustion of ethanol ensures that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. In the balanced equation provided above, one molecule of ethanol reacts with three molecules of oxygen to produce two molecules of carbon dioxide, three molecules of water, and release heat energy.
- **Energy Release:** The combustion of ethanol is an exothermic reaction, meaning that it releases heat energy as a byproduct. This heat energy is a result of the breaking and formation of chemical bonds during the combustion process.
- **Environmental Impact:** Combustion of ethanol is a common process used in fuel engines, such as in bioethanol production or as a renewable energy source. However, the combustion of ethanol, like any other fossil fuel, contributes to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which can have detrimental effects on the environment.
In conclusion, the combustion of ethanol in air to form carbon dioxide, water, and release heat follows a balanced chemical equation that represents the conservation of atoms in the reaction. This process is used in various applications but has implications for environmental considerations that need to be addressed.