Question

The following equation shows the correct molecules formed in the reaction, but the products are incorrect.
CH4 +2O2 → H2O + CO2

How would you correct the products? Explain your reasoning

Answer 1

notice on the left side:
1 carbon atom, 4 hydrogen atoms, 4 oxygen atoms

on the right side:
1 carbon atom, 2 hydrogen atoms, 3 oxygen atoms

so the equation is unbalanced. the left side has 2 more hydrogen atoms + 1 more oxygen atom. do you know what we can do to balance both sides? as a major hint, you'll have to change one of the coefficients to 2