Final answer:
The reaction between gaseous methane and gaseous oxygen to produce gaseous carbon dioxide and water is represented by the balanced chemical equation CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O, which indicates one methane molecule reacting with two oxygen molecules to yield one carbon dioxide molecule and two water molecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reaction of gaseous methane with gaseous oxygen to produce gaseous carbon dioxide and water is a chemical process that can be described by the following balanced chemical equation:
CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
Here, one methane molecule (CH4) reacts with two oxygen molecules (2O2) to yield one carbon dioxide molecule (CO2) and two water molecules (2H2O). This reaction is an example of a combustion reaction where methane, the hydrocarbon, is combusted in the presence of oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water vapor, releasing energy in the process.