Question

Write the chemical equation for combustion of propane.

Answer 1

Before writing down the chemical equation for combustion of propane we must have an idea about what a chemical equation is. A chemical equation is the symbolic representation of chemical reaction in terms of symbol and chemical formulae.

Complete answer:
As we know combustion is a process in which a compound ( fuel) and the presence of air such as oxygen. Combustion does not always result in fire, but when it does a flame is a characteristic indicator of the reaction. For combustion activation energy must be overcome to initiate combustion.
Explanation of chemical reaction for combustion of propane: In combustion of propane, propane is burnt in the presence of atmospheric oxygen, it form carbon dioxide and water as a product:
Here is the chemical equation for combustion of propane,
${C_3}{H_8} + {O_2} \to C{O_2} + {H_2}O$
The above reaction is not a balanced reaction for the combustion of propane. So, the balanced chemical equation is,
${C_3}{H_8} + 5{O_2} \to 3C{O_2} + 4{H_2}O$

Note:
Propane: It is a gas used in homes, industrial and agricultural, primarily for space heating and cooking. It is one of the gases that fits the definition of $LPG$. It is a flammable gas that is liquefied through pressurization and commonly used for fuel in heating.
Formation of propane: It is produced by reaction of propene with dibrone and acetic acid, it can also be prepared by reaction of n-propyl chloride with Grignard reagent followed by acidic hydrolysis to form propane.
It is to be noted that for the combustion process fuel and an oxidant are required to carry out the combustion process. In the combustion of propane it acts as a fuel and atmospheric oxygen acts as oxidant.