Question

CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O
Describe the stability of the products in comparison to the reactants

Answer 1

I found that it is an exergonic reaction
difference between reactant and product is -802kJ/ mol

but then exergonic doesnt always mean it is stable right?
since both reactant and product side have 3 molecules, so how do i know if it is more stable or not?

Answer 2

Yeah, if the enthalpy change is negative. This means the energy of the products are stronger than the reactants, because energy has been released. The products are quite stable in this case, that is why, we are able to quantitatively analyze hydrocarbons by putting them under combustion