Question

what reaction would the chemical equation ( ch_{4}+2o_{2}\to2h_{2}o + co_{2} ) represent?
combustion of methane
replacement of methane
formation of methane
decomposition of methane

Explanation:

Combustion reactions involve a substance reacting with oxygen. Here, methane (\(CH_4\)) reacts with oxygen (\(O_2\)) to form water (\(H_2O\)) and carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)), which is characteristic of a combustion reaction. Replacement reactions involve one element replacing another. Formation would be building \(CH_4\) (not breaking it down as here). Decomposition is a single - substance breaking into simpler substances, which is not the case here. So, it is the combustion of methane.

Answer:

combustion of methane