Question

level 1
5/10
balance the equation
ch₄ + o₂ → co₂ + h₂o

Explanation:

Step1: Balance carbon atoms

There is 1 carbon atom on the left (in \(CH_4\)) and 1 carbon atom on the right (in \(CO_2\)). So, the coefficient for \(CO_2\) is 1.

Step2: Balance hydrogen atoms

There are 4 hydrogen atoms in \(CH_4\) on the left. In \(H_2O\) on the right, if we let the coefficient of \(H_2O\) be \(x\), then \(2x = 4\), so \(x = 2\).

Step3: Balance oxygen atoms

On the right - hand side, there are \(2 + 2=4\) oxygen atoms (2 from \(CO_2\) and 2 from \(2H_2O\)). In \(O_2\) on the left, if the coefficient is \(y\), then \(2y=4\), so \(y = 2\).

Answer:

\(CH_4+2O_2
ightarrow CO_2 + 2H_2O\)