don't quite understand why this isn't balanced and what we'd have to do to balance it and why. If someone could explain in-depth I would appreciate it.

Question

Balance this equation: C2H5OH(l) + O2(g) >>>>> CO2(g) +H20(g)

Show that the balanced equation obeys the law of conversation of mass

Answer 1

Try googling it!

Answer 2

What do you mean you don't understand why it isn't balanced? You have 2 C on the left and 1 on the right so it isn't balanced. Here it is balanced.
C2H5OH(l) + 3O2(g) >>>>> 2CO2(g) + 3H20(g)

Answer 3

First balance C's, then H's, then O's using coefficients so you have equal numbers of each element on the sides of the equation.

So first you would match up the C's

C2H5OH + O2 -> 2CO2 + H2O

then do the H's (six on left so need 6 on right)
C2H5OH + O2 -> 2CO2 + 3H2O

then the O's
C2H5OH + 3O2 -> 2CO2 + 3H2O