Final answer:
The equation CH4 + O2 represents the combustion of methane producing carbon dioxide and water. The balanced equation is CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O. Carbon dioxide cannot be transformed back into methane and oxygen, and one molecule of carbon dioxide is produced per methane molecule combusted.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reaction CH4 + O2 typically refers to the combustion of methane in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). However, there seems to be a minor typo in your question statement, as the correct balanced equation for the combustion reaction is CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O. The reaction is a classic example of a combustion process, where methane (the main component of natural gas) reacts with oxygen to release carbon dioxide, water, and energy. The number 2 in front of O2 and H2O indicates that two molecules of oxygen and two molecules of water are produced for every molecule of methane combusted. In part A of your question, carbon dioxide cannot be transformed back into methane and oxygen in the given reaction because it is a combustion reaction, which is generally not reversible under standard conditions. For part B, one molecule of carbon dioxide is produced in this complete combustion reaction.