Question

1. In the equation CH4 + 2O2 ---> CO2 + 2H20, what is the coefficient in 2H20? How is the coefficient used?

2. In the equation CH4 + 2O2 ---> CO2 + 2H20, how is the coefficient in 2O2 used?


(Need answered Asap Please!! )

Answer 1

1. The coefficient in 2H2O means that there are 2 moles of that compound for every 1 mole of CH4 and CO2. If you had 1 mole of CH4 (and enough O2), you would produce 2 moles of H2O. The coefficients describe the ratio of moles in an equation.

2. It's the same for O2. There are 2 moles of O2 for every 1 mole of CH4. When reacting O2 with CH4, you need 2 moles of O2 (which is important if you need to know how much O2 to react with CH4).