Question

What is the volume of the oxygen gas required for this combustion reaction? (Question-image in the description box below)

Answer 1

The SAME volume of methane was used. i.e. `5*L`!

Explanation:

You gots the combustion reaction...

`CH_4(g) + 2O_2(g) rarr CO_2(g) + 2H_2O(g) + Delta`

We get a `5*L` volume of carbon dioxide (take that atmosphere!). And given the stoichiometry of the reaction, then if `5*L` of this gas were evolved, the equation DEMANDS that a `5*L` volume of methane was combusted, and ALSO a `10*L` volume of dioxygen gas...(because gaseous volume is proportional to number of moles under equivalent conditions, such as is assumed here).

The stoichiometric equation (which you provided) is KEY. Of course, we might say, that the water product condensed, but still one volume of carbon dioxide results from combustion of one volume of methane....

With me?

Had we thermodynamic data, then we could also assess the heat produced by the combustion reaction. But remember all I am doing is assessing the given stoichiometric equation.

Happy?