How would you balance the following equation: CH4 + O2 --> CO2 + H2O?

1 Answer
Dec 4, 2015

"CH"_4" + 2O"_2rarr"CO"_2" + 2H"_2"O"

Explanation:

"CH"_4" + O"_2rarr"CO"_2" + H"_2"O"

First look at the C atoms. At first glance they are balanced with 1 C on each side.

Now look at the H atoms. They are not balanced. There are 4 H atoms on the left side and 2 H atoms on the right. Place a coefficient of 2 in front of the "H"_2"O"". We now have 4 H atoms on both sides.

"CH"_4" + O"_2rarr"CO"_2" + 2H"_2"O"

Now look at the O atoms. They are not balanced. There are 2 O atoms on the left side and 4 on the right. Place a coefficient of 2 in front of the "O"_2". We now have 4 O atoms on both sides.

"CH"_4" + 2O"_2rarr"CO"_2" + 2H"_2"O"

The equation is now balanced. Each side has 1 C atom, 4 H atoms, and 4 O atoms.