In this reaction, one molecule of methane reacts with two molecules of oxygen to produce one molecule of carbon dioxide and two molecules of water.
What happens when methane is burnt?
Heat and light are released during the combustion of methane when it reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.
This extremely exothermic process is a well-known illustration of burning hydrocarbons and is frequently used in internal combustion engines and natural gas combustion for heating, among other applications. Although burning methane releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, it is necessary for the production of energy.