Question

note: to answer some of the questions, it may help to reference a perio
checkpoint 17
examine the reaction equation.
$\ce{ch_{4}(g) + o_{2}(g) -> h_{2}o(g) + co_{2}(g)}$
what coefficients will balance the equation?
1, 2, 2, 1
2, 3, 2, 2
1, 1, 1, 1
1, 3, 2, 1

Explanation:

Step1: Count atoms on both sides

Original equation: \(CH_4(g)+O_2(g)\to H_2O(g)+CO_2(g)\)

• Carbon (\(C\)): 1 on left, 1 on right.
• Hydrogen (\(H\)): 4 on left, 2 on right.
• Oxygen (\(O\)): 2 on left, \(1 + 2=3\) on right.

Step2: Balance hydrogen

Multiply \(H_2O\) by 2: \(CH_4(g)+O_2(g)\to 2H_2O(g)+CO_2(g)\)
Now, \(H\): 4 on both sides.

• \(O\): 2 on left, \(2\times1 + 2 = 4\) on right.

Step3: Balance oxygen

Multiply \(O_2\) by 2: \(CH_4(g)+2O_2(g)\to 2H_2O(g)+CO_2(g)\)
Now, \(O\): \(2\times2 = 4\) on left, \(2\times1+2 = 4\) on right.
Coefficients are \(1,2,2,1\) (for \(CH_4,O_2,H_2O,CO_2\) respectively).

Answer:

1, 2, 2, 1