Question

consider the equation: ch₄ + o₂ → 2h₂o + co₂ which element or elements are unbalanced in this equation? only the o is unbalanced. only the h is unbalanced. both h and o are unbalanced. c, h, and o are all unbalanced.

Explanation:

Step1: Count atoms on reactant side

• For \( \text{CH}_4 \): 1 C, 4 H.
• For \( \text{O}_2 \): 2 O.

Step2: Count atoms on product side

• For \( 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \): 4 H, 2 O.
• For \( \text{CO}_2 \): 1 C, 2 O. Total O on product side \(=2 + 2=4\).
• C: 1 on both sides (balanced).
• H: 4 on both sides (balanced).
• O: 2 on reactant side, 4 on product side (unbalanced).

Answer:

Only the O is unbalanced.