How should the combustion reaction for C5 H8 O2- CO2 H 2 O balanced?

To balance the combustion reaction of C5H8O2, which produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), start with the unbalanced equation: C5H8O2 + O2 → CO2 + H2O. First, balance the carbon atoms by ensuring there are five CO2 produced, then balance the hydrogen by producing four H2O. Finally, calculate the oxygen atoms needed on the right side and adjust the O2 on the left to balance the total oxygen count. The balanced equation is: C5H8O2 + 6 O2 → 5 CO2 + 4 H2O.