Which of the following are the products of the complete combustion of propane (C_3H_8)?

• A. C and H_2O
• B. CO_2 and O_2
• C. CO 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).
2. Write the general equation for the complete combustion of propane (C_3H_8): \(\mathrm{C_3H_8 + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O}\).
3. Balance the carbon atoms by ensuring the number of CO_2 molecules equals the number of carbon atoms in propane: since propane has 3 carbons, write \$3\,\mathrm{CO_2}$ on the product side.
4. Balance the hydrogen atoms by ensuring the number of H_2O molecules corresponds to the hydrogen atoms in propane: propane has 8 hydrogens, so write \$4\,\mathrm{H_2O}$ on the product side (because each water molecule has 2 hydrogens).
5. Balance the oxygen atoms by adjusting the O_2 molecules on the reactant side so that the total oxygen atoms on both sides are equal, considering the oxygen atoms in both CO_2 and H_2O.