Question

Is the following reaction balanced? 2CH3OH +302 --> 2CO2 + 4H₂O​

Answer 1

Yes

Step-by-step explanation:

Given the following reaction:

`\displaystyle{2CH_3OH+3O_2 \to 2CO_2+4H_2O}`

The methanol (CH3OH) can be rewritten as:

`\displaystyle{2CH_4O+3O_2 \to 2CO_2+4H_2O}`

To know if the reaction is balanced, we have to do the following:

1. Consider each sides (consider reactants and products separately)
2. Consider each elements
3. Compare elements to see if they both have same value

Consider each sides, for left side, we have:

• C = 2 (C has subscript of 1 with coefficient 2, so multiply 2 with subscript 1)
• O = 2(1)+3(2) = 8 [O has subscript of 1 and 2, on subscript 1 side, we have coefficient of 2 so we multiply 2(1) then add with another O which has subscript of 2 and coefficient of 3 so we multiply 3(2).]
• H = 2(4) = 8

For right side, we have:

• C = 2
• O = 2(2)+4(1) = 4+4 = 8
• H = 4(2) = 8

Comparing both sides, elements have same values. Therefore, the reaction is balanced.