Question

How would you balance the following equation:
$CH_4+O_2\to CO_2+H_2O$

Answer 1

Hint : Balanced equation is that which contains the same number of each element on both sides of the reaction. In the given equation, we have to make the same number of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms on both sides of the reaction. This reaction represents the combustion of hydrocarbons.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
Balanced equation is that which contains the same number of each element present on both sides of the reaction i.e. reactant side (left-hand side) and product side (right-hand side). In order to make the given equation balanced, first we have to balance the number of hydrogen atoms on both sides of reaction. For this purpose, we have to multiply $H_2O$ by the factor of 2. Then, the given equation becomes
$CH_4+O_2\to CO_2+2H_2O$
Next, we have to balance the number of oxygen atoms on both sides of the reaction. For this purpose, we have to multiply $O_2$ by the factor of 2. Then, the given equation becomes
$CH_4+2O_2\to CO_2+2H_2O$
In the above equation, carbon atoms are automatically balanced. Therefore, the required balanced equation is given as
$CH_4+2O_2\to CO_2+2H_2O$
It means that we have to multiply both $H2O$ and $O2$by a factor of 2 in order to get a balanced equation.

Additional Information:
This reaction represents the complete combustion of methane which leads to the formation of carbon dioxide and water in the presence of oxygen (oxidizing agent). A large amount of heat is released in this process, and hence it is an exothermic reaction.

Note :
It is important to note that multiplying both $H_2O$ and $O_2$by a factor of 2 in order to make the given equation balanced. Balanced equation is one which contains the same number of each element present on both sides of the reaction.