This chemistry question involves key chemical concepts and calculations. The detailed solution below walks through each step, from identifying the reaction type to computing the final answer.
ScanSolve AI Answer
Aduah, let's balance another equation. Consider the combustion of methane: CH_4 + O_2 → CO_2 + H_2O Step 1: Count the atoms of each element on both sides of the unbalanced equation. Reactants: Carbon (C): 1, Hydrogen (H): 4, Oxygen (O): 2 Products: Carbon (C): 1, Hydrogen (H): 2, Oxygen (O): 3 (2 from CO_2 and 1 from H_2O) Step 2: Balance carbon atoms. In this equation, carbon is already balanced with 1 atom on each side. Step 3: Balance hydrogen atoms. There are 4 hydrogen atoms on the reactant side (CH_4) and 2 hydrogen atoms on the product side (H_2O). To balance hydrogen, place a coefficient of 2 in front of H_2O. CH_4 + O_2 → CO_2 + 2H_2O Step 4: Re-count the atoms after balancing hydrogen. Reactants: Carbon (C): 1, Hydrogen (H): 4, Oxygen (O): 2 Products: Carbon (C): 1, Hydrogen (H): 2 × 2 = 4, Oxygen (O): 2 (from CO_2) + 2 (from 2H_2O) = 4 Step 5: Balance oxygen atoms. There are 2 oxygen atoms on the reactant side (O_2) and 4 oxygen atoms on the product side. To balance oxygen, place a coefficient of 2 in front of O_2. CH_4 + 2O_2 → CO_2 + 2H_2O Step 6: Verify that all atoms are balanced. Reactants: Carbon (C): 1, Hydrogen (H): 4, Oxygen (O): 2 × 2 = 4 Products: Carbon (C): 1, Hydrogen (H): 2 × 2 = 4, Oxygen (O): 2 (from CO_2) + 2 (from 2H_2O) = 4 The equation is now balanced. CH_4 + 2O_2 → CO_2 + 2H_2O That's 2 down. 3 left today — send the next one.