Question

When methane, CH₄, is combusted, it produces carbon dioxide, CO₂. Balance the equation: CH₄ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O.

a) CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O

b) CH₄ + 3O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O

c) CH₄ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O

d) CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O

Answer 1

The balanced equation for the combustion of methane is CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O, indicating one molecule of methane reacts with two molecules of oxygen to produce one molecule of carbon dioxide and two molecules of water.
option a is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

When methane, CH₄, is combusted, it indeed produces carbon dioxide, CO₂, and water, H₂O, as products. The correct balanced chemical equation for this combustion reaction is: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O.

This means that one molecule of methane reacts with two molecules of oxygen to yield one molecule of carbon dioxide and two molecules of water.

This reaction is not only a combustion reaction but also an oxidation process where methane is oxidized. Furthermore, the reaction is exothermic, releasing energy in the form of heat, which is utilized for various purposes such as cooking, heating, and drying clothes.