What coefficients are needed to balance the equation for the complete combustion of methane? Enter the coefficients in the order CH4,O2,CO2, and H2O,respectively.
Express your answer as four integers, separated by commas (e.g., 1,2,3,4).
1,2,1,2
crazy
To balance the equation for the complete combustion of methane (CH4), we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
The balanced equation for the combustion of methane is:
CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
To find the coefficients, we start by counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
On the left side of the equation, we have:
1 carbon (C)
4 hydrogen (H)
On the right side of the equation, we have:
1 carbon (C)
4 hydrogen (H)
2 oxygen (O)
To balance the carbons, we already have 1 carbon on both sides, so we don't need to change the coefficient for CO2.
Next, let's balance the hydrogens. We have 4 hydrogen atoms on the left side and 4 on the right side. The coefficient for H2O does not need to be changed.
Lastly, let's balance the oxygens. We currently have 2 oxygen atoms on the right side (coming from the O2 on the left). To balance the oxygens, we need to add another 2 oxygen atoms on the left side. This means we need to double the coefficient for O2 on the left.
Therefore, the balanced equation for the complete combustion of methane is:
CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
The coefficients in the order CH4, O2, CO2, and H2O, respectively, are:
1, 2, 1, 2