Question

CH4 + O2 ­­­­­> CO2 + 2H2O

Is this chemical equation balanced? If not explain what you would do to balance the equation.

Answer 1

`\huge \boxed{\mathrm{CH_4+ \boxed{2} O_2 \Rightarrow CO_2 +2 H_2O}}`

`\rule[225]{225}{2}`

Step-by-step explanation:

`\sf CH_4+ O_2 \Rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O`

Balancing the Hydrogen atoms on the right side,

`\sf CH_4+ O_2 \Rightarrow CO_2 +2 H_2O`

Balancing the Oxygen atoms on the left side,

`\sf CH_4+ 2O_2 \Rightarrow CO_2 +2 H_2O`

We need 4 atoms of Oxygen on both sides to balance.

`\rule[225]{225}{2}`

Answer 2

The only thing not balanced is the Oxygen gas (O2). Since you have carbon dioxide, you have 2 oxygens there and 2 oxygens since there are 2 waters on the right. So you have 2 on the left and 4 on the right. To fix it, put a 2 on front of the O2 on the left and that should balance it.