Enter an equation for the formation of C2H5OH (l) from its elements in their standard states. Enter any reference to carbon as C (s). Express your answer as a chemical equation. Identify all of the phases in your answer.

C (s) + 3 H₂ (g) + 1/2 O₂ (g) ⇒C₂H₅OH (l)

Explanation:

Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) is an alcohol and it is formed by carbon (C), H (hydrogen) and O (oxygen) atoms. These elements in their standard states are:

C: C (s), it is solid, could be graphite, diamond, among others.

H: H₂ (g), it is a diatomic gas.

O: O₂ (g), it is a diatomic gas.

So, we can write the equation for the formation of C₂H₅OH from C (s), H₂ and O₂ as follows:

C (s) + H₂ (g) + O₂ (g) ⇒C₂H₅OH (l)

Finally, we have to balance the equation by adding the estequiometrical coefficients:

C (s) + 3 H₂ (g) + 1/2 O₂ (g) ⇒C₂H₅OH (l)