how many atoms of carbon (C) are present in the reactants of the following chemical equation?

Question

C(small 7)H(small 16) + O(small 2) -> CO(small 2) + H(small 2)O

Answer 1

To determine the number of carbon (C) atoms in the reactants of the given chemical equation:

\[ C_7H_{16} + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O \]

In the reactants, we have:

1. C₇H₁₆: This compound has 7 carbon (C) atoms.
2. O₂: This compound contains oxygen atoms, but no carbon atoms.

Thus, in the reactants of the equation, there are a total of 7 carbon atoms.