Question

Balance the following equation for the combustion of methane (3 pts):

CH4 + O2 --> CO2 + H2O

Answer 1

`\huge \boxed{\mathrm{CH_4+ 2O_2 \Rightarrow CO_2 +2 H_2O}}`

`\rule[225]{225}{2}`

Step-by-step explanation:

`\sf CH_4+ O_2 \Rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O`

Balancing the Hydrogen atoms on the right side,

`\sf CH_4+ O_2 \Rightarrow CO_2 +2 H_2O`

Balancing the Oxygen atoms on the left side,

`\sf CH_4+ 2O_2 \Rightarrow CO_2 +2 H_2O`

`\rule[225]{225}{2}`

Answer 2

The balance chemical equation of combustion of methane is:

`CH_4 + 2O_2\rightarrow CO_2 + 2H_2O`

Step-by-step explanation:

[tex]CH_4 + O_2\rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O[/tex]

During balancing of the chemical reaction balance out all the elements beside oxygen. Oxygen atom should always be balanced in the end.

`CH_4 + O_2\rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O`

On reactant side :

C = 1, H = 4, O = 2

On product side :

C = 1, H = 2, O = 3

Step 1 : Write 2 in front of water.

`CH_4 + O_2\rightarrow CO_2 + 2H_2O`

Step 2 : Write 3 in front of oxygen.

`CH_4 + 2O_2\rightarrow CO_2 + 2H_2O`

On reactant side :

C = 1, H = 4, O = 4

On product side :

C = 1, H = 4, O = 4

Chemical equation is balanced.