Final answer:
The balanced equation for the decomposition of C6H12O3 to form methane (CH4) and carbon monoxide (CO) is 2C6H12O3 → 3CH4 + 9CO + 2H2O.
Step-by-step explanation:
When C6H12O3 decomposes to form methane (CH4) and carbon monoxide (CO), the balanced equation for this reaction must account for all atoms of each element on the reactant side and the product side. For this decomposition reaction, it is best to start by writing the unbalanced equation:
C6H12O3 → CH4 + CO. To balance the equation, we need to adjust the coefficients so that the number of each type of atom is equal on both sides. The balanced equation for this decomposition reaction is: 2C6H12O3 → 3CH4 + 9CO + 2H2O.
The decomposed compound forms three molecules of methane, nine molecules of carbon monoxide, and two molecules of water, ensuring that there are 12 carbon atoms, 24 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms on each side of the equation.