Question

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 \(2x = 4\) (since each \(H_2O\) molecule has 2 hydrogen atoms). Solving \(2x=4\) gives \(x = 2\). So, the coefficient for \(H_2O\) is 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 of \(O_2\) is \(y\), then \(2y=4\) (since each \(O_2\) molecule has 2 oxygen atoms). Solving \(2y = 4\) gives \(y = 2\). So, the coefficient for \(O_2\) is 2.

Answer:

\(1CH_4+2O_2
ightarrow1CO_2 + 2H_2O\)