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 balanced equation is.

CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O

Step-by-step explanation:

CH₄ + O₂ --> CO₂ + H₂O

You have 4 H in reactant side. In order to balance the H, you add 2 in water, in product side.

Now, you unbalanced the O, because you have 2 O from CO₂ and 2 O from water. As you have 4 O in total, you add a 2 in the O₂ in the reactant side. C is balanced because you have 1 C on each side