Question

determine whether the following equation is balanced- ch4 + 3 o2 → co2 + 2 h2o the equation is not balanced because there are more oxygen atoms in the reactants than the products. the equation is not balanced because there are more carbon atoms in the products than the reactants. the equation is balanced. the equation is not balanced because there are four atoms of hydrogen in the products and reactants.

Explanation:

Step1: Count carbon atoms

On the left - hand side (reactants), in $CH_4$, there is 1 carbon atom. On the right - hand side (products), in $CO_2$, there is 1 carbon atom.

Step2: Count hydrogen atoms

In $CH_4$ (reactants), there are 4 hydrogen atoms. In $2H_2O$ (products), $2\times2 = 4$ hydrogen atoms.

Step3: Count oxygen atoms

In $3O_2$ (reactants), there are $3\times2=6$ oxygen atoms. In $CO_2 + 2H_2O$ (products), in $CO_2$ there are 2 oxygen atoms and in $2H_2O$ there are 2 oxygen atoms, so in total $2 + 2=4$ oxygen atoms. The equation is not balanced because there are more oxygen atoms in the reactants than the products.

Answer:

The equation is not balanced because there are more oxygen atoms in the reactants than the products.