When balancing combustion equations, what should be added to the right side when considering excess air?

When balancing combustion equations with the consideration of excess air, it is essential to accurately represent all reactants and products involved in the reaction. In combustion, stoichiometric coefficients are important because they dictate the ratio of each substance that reacts and is produced.

In the context of excess air, the combustion process often requires more air than the theoretical amount needed for complete combustion of the fuel. The excess air can be quantified as a percentage, and this percentage must be incorporated into the balanced equation.

By adding oxygen and its stoichiometric coefficient multiplied by the percentage of excess air to the right side of the equation, you effectively account for the additional oxygen available for combustion beyond what is theoretically required. This adjustment is crucial because it ensures that the combustion equation reflects the actual conditions under which the combustion occurs, including the additional oxidizer present due to excess air.

This method highlights the importance of correctly balancing the contributions from both the theoretical oxygen requirement and the additional amount due to excess air, thereby producing a complete and accurate representation of the combustion products.