Write the balanced chemical equations for a. the complete combustion of acetic acid (CH3COOH), the main ingredient in vinegar;

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Identify the reactants and products in the combustion reaction. The reactants are acetic acid (CH_3COOH) and oxygen (O_2), and the products are carbon dioxide (CO_2) and water (H_2O).

Write the unbalanced chemical equation for the combustion of acetic acid: CH_3COOH + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O.

Balance the carbon atoms first. There are 2 carbon atoms in CH_3COOH, so you need 2 CO_2 molecules on the product side: CH_3COOH + O_2 \rightarrow 2 CO_2 + H_2O.

Next, balance the hydrogen atoms. There are 4 hydrogen atoms in CH_3COOH, so you need 2 H_2O molecules on the product side: CH_3COOH + O_2 \rightarrow 2 CO_2 + 2 H_2O.

Finally, balance the oxygen atoms. Count the total oxygen atoms on the product side (2*2 from CO_2 and 2*1 from H_2O = 6 oxygen atoms). Therefore, you need 3 O_2 molecules on the reactant side: CH_3COOH + 3 O_2 \rightarrow 2 CO_2 + 2 H_2O.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Combustion Reactions

Combustion reactions are chemical processes in which a substance reacts rapidly with oxygen, producing heat and light. In organic compounds, such as acetic acid, combustion typically results in the formation of carbon dioxide and water. Understanding the general form of combustion reactions is essential for writing balanced equations.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is achieved by adjusting the coefficients of the reactants and products. A balanced equation reflects the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the quantitative relationship between reactants and products in a chemical reaction. It allows chemists to calculate the amounts of substances consumed and produced in a reaction. In the context of combustion, stoichiometry helps determine the exact ratios of acetic acid, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water involved in the complete combustion process.

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