What is the propane gas chemical formula?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The chemical formula for propane gas is C3H8.
Propane is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is made up of only carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms. It belongs to the alkane family, which are saturated hydrocarbons characterized by single bonds between carbon atoms. In propane, there are three carbon atoms connected in a chain, and eight hydrogen atoms attached to these carbons.
The structure of propane can be described as a chain of three carbon atoms where each carbon forms four bonds. The two carbon atoms at the ends of the chain each bond to three hydrogen atoms, and the middle carbon bonds to two hydrogen atoms. This satisfies the tetravalency of carbon, which means carbon always forms four bonds to be stable.
Propane is commonly used as a fuel for heating, cooking, and as fuel in engines, especially in portable applications like grills and camping stoves. It is stored as a liquid under pressure in tanks, but when released, it vaporizes and becomes a gas that burns cleanly. Its chemical properties, such as flammability and energy content, make it valuable in energy applications.
From a chemical standpoint, propane undergoes combustion reactions where it reacts with oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), releasing heat. The balanced combustion equation for propane is:
C3H8 + 5 O2 → 3 CO2 + 4 H2O
This reaction releases energy used for heating or powering engines.
In summary, propane’s chemical formula is C3H8, indicating three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms arranged to form a stable molecule. Its characteristics as an alkane hydrocarbon define its chemical behavior, fuel properties, and practical uses in everyday life.