Answer:
C + O₂ ⟶ CO₂
Explanation:
Often, the best way to start is to balance all atoms other than O and H, then balance O, then balance H.
1. Put a 1 in front of the most complicated-looking formula (CO₂):
C + O₂ ⟶ 1CO₂
2. Balance C:
We have fixed 1 C on the right. We need 1 C on the left. Put a 1 in front of C.
1C + O₂ ⟶ 1CO₂
4. Balance O:
We have fixed 2 O on the right. We need 2 O on the left. Put a 1 in front of O₂.
1C + 1O₂ ⟶ 1CO₂
Every formula now has a coefficient. The equation should be balanced.
5. Check that atoms balance:
[tex]\begin{array}{ccc}\textbf{Atom} & \textbf{On the left} & \textbf{On the right}\\\text{C} & 1 &1\\\text{O} & 2 & 2\\\end{array}[/tex]
It checks.
The balanced equation is
C + O₂ ⟶ CO₂
