What is the sum of the coefficients after balancing the chemical reaction: C8H18O6(l) + O2 → CO2(g) + H2O(g)?

• A. 31
• B. 35
• C. 29
• D. 33

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical equation to be balanced: C8H18O6(l) + O2(g) → CO2(g) + H2O(g).
2. List the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. For the reactants, count the carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms in C8H18O6 and O2. For the products, count the atoms in CO2 and H2O.
3. Start by balancing the carbon atoms. Since there are 8 carbon atoms in C8H18O6, place a coefficient of 8 in front of CO2 on the product side.
4. Next, balance the hydrogen atoms. There are 18 hydrogen atoms in C8H18O6, so place a coefficient of 9 in front of H2O on the product side.
5. Finally, balance the oxygen atoms. Count the total number of oxygen atoms needed on the product side from CO2 and H2O, and adjust the coefficient of O2 on the reactant side to balance the equation. Sum all the coefficients to find the total.