Write a balanced equation for the combustion of gaseous methane?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of gaseous methane (CH₄) is:
CH₄(g) + 2 O₂(g) → CO₂(g) + 2 H₂O(g)
Explanation:
Combustion is a chemical reaction where a substance reacts with oxygen, releasing energy in the form of heat and light. In this case, methane (CH₄), a common hydrocarbon gas, undergoes combustion when it reacts with oxygen (O₂). The products of this combustion reaction are carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).
- Methane (CH₄): Methane is a simple hydrocarbon, consisting of one carbon atom (C) and four hydrogen atoms (H₄). It is typically used as a fuel, and when it burns in oxygen, the carbon atoms combine with oxygen atoms to form carbon dioxide (CO₂), while the hydrogen atoms combine with oxygen to form water (H₂O).
- Oxygen (O₂): Oxygen is required in the combustion process to oxidize the methane. In this reaction, two molecules of oxygen (O₂) are needed to completely oxidize one molecule of methane.
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂): During the combustion of methane, carbon atoms bond with oxygen molecules to form carbon dioxide. This gas is a common product of the combustion of fossil fuels and contributes to the greenhouse effect when released into the atmosphere.
- Water (H₂O): The hydrogen atoms from methane combine with oxygen to form water vapor as a byproduct.
Stoichiometry of the Reaction:
- The number of atoms on each side of the equation must be balanced to satisfy the law of conservation of mass.
- On the left side, you have 1 carbon atom, 4 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms from the O₂ molecules.
- On the right side, you have 1 carbon atom in CO₂, 4 hydrogen atoms in H₂O, and 2 oxygen atoms from CO₂ and 2 from H₂O, which balances the equation.
Thus, the equation is balanced, with no atoms lost or gained.