Which of the following are the main products formed during the complete combustion of ethane (C_2H_6)?

• A. CO and H_2O
• B. CH_4 and O_2
• C. C and H_2O
• D. CO_2 and H_2O

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that complete combustion of a hydrocarbon involves reacting the hydrocarbon with oxygen (O_2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO_2) and water (H_2O) as the main products.
2. Write the general form of the complete combustion reaction for ethane (C_2H_6): \[ C_2H_6 + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O \]
3. Balance the carbon atoms by ensuring the number of CO_2 molecules equals the number of carbon atoms in ethane (which is 2): \[ C_2H_6 + O_2 \rightarrow 2CO_2 + H_2O \]
4. Balance the hydrogen atoms by ensuring the number of H_2O molecules corresponds to the hydrogen atoms in ethane (6 hydrogens means 3 water molecules): \[ C_2H_6 + O_2 \rightarrow 2CO_2 + 3H_2O \]
5. Finally, balance the oxygen atoms by adjusting the O_2 molecules on the reactant side. Count the oxygen atoms on the product side (2×2 from CO_2 plus 3×1 from H_2O) and divide by 2 to find the O_2 coefficient.