Final answer:
The combustion of methane releases 890.4 kJ of heat energy. For every gram of acetate produced, the thermal energy released would be the same as the value of 890.4 kJ.
Step-by-step explanation:
When methane gas is combusted, heat is released, making the reaction exothermic. Specifically, the combustion of 1 mol of methane releases 890.4 kilojoules of heat energy. This information can be shown as part of a balanced equation:
CH₂(g) + 20₂ (g) → CO₂ (g) + 2H₂O (1) +890.4 kJ
The equation tells us that 1 mol of methane combines with 2 mol of oxygen to produce 1 mol of carbon dioxide and 2 mol of water. In the process, 890.4 kJ is released and so it is written in the product side of the reaction as a positive value.
This means that for every gram of acetate produced, the thermal energy released would be the same as the value of 890.4 kJ in the equation.