How do I write equation for the combustion of CH4 to give CO2 and water?

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Answer 1 · 2015-11-25T06:03:55

#"CH"_4" + 2O"_2"##rarr##"CO"_2" + 2H"_2"O"#

Unbalanced Equation

#"CH"_4" + O"_2"##rarr##"CO"_2" + H"_2"O"#

Balance the hydrogen.

Place a coefficient of #2# in front of the #"H"_2"O"#.

#"CH"_4" + O"_2"##rarr##"CO"_2" + 2H"_2"O"#

Balance the oxygen.

Place a coefficient of #2# in front of the #"O"_2"#.

#"CH"_4" + 2O"_2"##rarr##"CO"_2" + 2H"_2"O"#

There are now equal numbers of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation, and it is now balanced.

Number of Atoms on Left Side: #"1C; 4H; 4O"#

Number of Atoms on Right Side: #"1C; 4H; 4O"#