What is the reaction formula for the combustion of stearic acid?

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The discussion centers on determining the enthalpy of combustion for stearic acid. The combustion reaction for stearic acid, which consists solely of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) as byproducts. Participants emphasize the need to understand the structural formula of stearic acid and the importance of balancing the combustion reaction to accurately calculate the enthalpy change. The conversation highlights the essential steps in conducting the lab work effectively.
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My friend and I are stuck on a lab-work, where we are to find the enthalpy of combustion for stearic acid.

Does anyone know the reaction formula for the combustion of stearic acid?
 
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I'm sure that a full combustion of an organic compound containing only C,H & O would produce (beside the heat,exothermal reaction) \mbox{CO}_{2}\uparrow and \mbox{H}_{2}\mbox{O} \uparrow...

So the reaction would require knowledge of the stearic acid structural formula and a know-how to balance the reaction...

Daniel.
 
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