Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction that occurs when heptane, C7H16 (l), burns in air.

Start with Unbalanced Equation and balance it, so ...

C7H16+O2--->CO2+H2O

There are 7 C atoms on the left-hand side, so we need 7 C atoms on the right-hand side. Add a 7 in front of the CO2 ... 7CO2+H2O on right side now.

We have fixed 16 H atoms on the left-hand side, so we need 16 H atoms on the right-hand side. Add an 8 in front of H2O to make 16 (8x2) ... 7CO2+8H2O on right side now.

There are 22 O atoms on the right-hand side: 14 from the CO2 and 8 from the H2O. Add an 11 in front of the O2 on the left side to make 22 (11x2).

Every formula now has a fixed coefficient. You should have a balanced equation of ...

C7H16+11O2--->7CO2+8H2O