Final answer:
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O is already provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
Balancing a chemical equation involves adjusting the coefficients of the reactants and products to ensure that the same number of each type of atom is present on both sides of the arrow. In this case, the equation is already balanced:
Starting with the unbalanced equation CH₄ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O, we count the atoms on each side. On the reactant side, there is 1 carbon, 4 hydrogen, and 2 oxygen atoms. On the product side, there is 1 carbon, 2 hydrogen, and 3 oxygen atoms. To balance the carbons, we place a coefficient of 1 in front of CO₂. However, this adjustment affects the oxygen atoms. To balance the oxygen, we place a coefficient of 2 in front of O₂, giving us the balanced equation: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O.
Balancing equations is crucial in chemistry as it ensures the conservation of mass and atoms during chemical reactions. The coefficients represent the ratio of moles of reactants and products, providing insight into the stoichiometry of the reaction. In this balanced equation, one methane (CH₄) molecule reacts with two oxygen (O₂) molecules to produce one carbon dioxide (CO₂) molecule and two water (H₂O) molecules