Question

Fill in the blank with a single chemical formula for a covalent compound that will balance the equation:

CH₄ + O₂ → CO₂ + ......... + H₂O
a) CO
b) H₂CO
c) CH₂O
d) C₂H₆O

Answer 1

The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of methane involves the addition of formaldehyde (CH₂O) on the product side. The balanced equation is CH₄ + O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O + 2CH₂O.

The balanced chemical equation represents the combustion of methane (CH₄) in the presence of oxygen (O₂), resulting in the formation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). To complete the equation, we need to include formaldehyde (CH₂O) as the covalent compound. The balanced equation is:

`\[ CH_4 + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + \underline{2}H_2O + \underline{2}CH_2O \]`

This balanced equation ensures that the number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product sides is the same, satisfying the law of conservation of mass.

The probable question may be:

Fill in the blank with a single chemical formula for a covalent compound that will balance the equation:

CH₄ + O₂ → CO₂ + ......... + H₂O

a) CO

b) H₂CO

c) CH₂O

d) C₂H₆O

Answer 2

The correct chemical formula to balance the equation CH₄ + O₂ → CO₂ + ......... + H₂O is C₂H₆O (d), resulting in the balanced equation CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O.

Step-by-step explanation:

The chemical formula that will balance the given chemical equation CH₄ + O₂ → CO₂ + ......... + H₂O is C₂H₆O (ethanol). So the balanced chemical equation would be CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O. For a single formula unit to balance the equation, option (d) C₂H₆O is correct. When balancing chemical equations, we need to ensure that the same number of atoms for each element is present on both sides of the reaction. By using the correct coefficients, we demonstrate that for every one molecule of methane and two molecules of oxygen, we produce one molecule of carbon dioxide and two molecules of water.