Select The Correct Answer.This Chemical Equation Represents The Burning Of Methane, But The Equation Is Incomplete. What Is The Missing Coefficient In Both The Reactants And The Products?$\[ CH_4 + \quad O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + \quad H_2O \\]A.

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Understanding the Basics of Chemical Equations

Chemical equations are a fundamental concept in chemistry, representing the transformation of one or more substances into another. These equations are crucial in understanding chemical reactions, and they provide valuable information about the reactants, products, and the conditions required for the reaction to occur. In this article, we will focus on balancing chemical equations, specifically the burning of methane, and determine the missing coefficient in both the reactants and the products.

The Chemical Equation for the Burning of Methane

The chemical equation for the burning of methane is:

CH4+O2→CO2+H2O{ CH_4 + \quad O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + \quad H_2O }

However, this equation is incomplete, as it lacks the correct coefficients for the reactants and products. To balance the equation, we need to determine the missing coefficients.

The Importance of Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is essential in chemistry, as it ensures that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. This is crucial in understanding the stoichiometry of the reaction, which is the quantitative relationship between the reactants and products.

Step 1: Count the Number of Atoms

To balance the equation, we need to count the number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product sides.

  • On the reactant side, we have:
    • 1 carbon atom (C)
    • 4 hydrogen atoms (H)
    • 2 oxygen atoms (O)
  • On the product side, we have:
    • 1 carbon atom (C)
    • 2 hydrogen atoms (H)
    • 3 oxygen atoms (O)

Step 2: Determine the Missing Coefficient

To balance the equation, we need to determine the missing coefficient for the reactants and products. We can start by balancing the carbon atoms, as they are present in the same quantity on both sides.

  • Since there is 1 carbon atom on both sides, the coefficient for carbon is already balanced.
  • Next, we need to balance the hydrogen atoms. We have 4 hydrogen atoms on the reactant side and 2 hydrogen atoms on the product side. To balance the hydrogen atoms, we need to multiply the coefficient for hydrogen on the reactant side by 2.

Step 3: Balance the Oxygen Atoms

Now that we have balanced the hydrogen atoms, we need to balance the oxygen atoms. We have 2 oxygen atoms on the reactant side and 3 oxygen atoms on the product side. To balance the oxygen atoms, we need to multiply the coefficient for oxygen on the reactant side by 3/2.

The Balanced Chemical Equation

After balancing the equation, we get:

CH4+2O2→CO2+2H2O{ CH_4 + 2O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + 2H_2O }

Conclusion

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. By following the steps outlined in this article, we can determine the missing coefficient in both the reactants and the products. The balanced chemical equation for the burning of methane is:

CH4+2O2→CO2+2H2O{ CH_4 + 2O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + 2H_2O }

This equation represents the correct stoichiometry of the reaction, and it provides valuable information about the reactants, products, and the conditions required for the reaction to occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the importance of balancing chemical equations?

A: Balancing chemical equations is essential in chemistry, as it ensures that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. This is crucial in understanding the stoichiometry of the reaction, which is the quantitative relationship between the reactants and products.

Q: How do I determine the missing coefficient in a chemical equation?

A: To determine the missing coefficient in a chemical equation, you need to count the number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product sides. Then, you need to balance the atoms by multiplying the coefficients for the reactants and products.

Q: What is the balanced chemical equation for the burning of methane?

A: The balanced chemical equation for the burning of methane is:

CH4+2O2→CO2+2H2O{ CH_4 + 2O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + 2H_2O }

This equation represents the correct stoichiometry of the reaction, and it provides valuable information about the reactants, products, and the conditions required for the reaction to occur.

References

  • Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., & Herring, F. G. (2006). General chemistry: Principles and modern applications. Pearson Prentice Hall.
  • Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2006). Physical chemistry. Oxford University Press.
  • Chang, R. (2008). Chemistry. McGraw-Hill.

Additional Resources

  • Khan Academy: Balancing Chemical Equations
  • Chemistry LibreTexts: Balancing Chemical Equations
  • Purdue University Online Writing Lab: Balancing Chemical Equations
    Balancing Chemical Equations: A Q&A Guide =============================================

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the importance of balancing chemical equations?

A: Balancing chemical equations is essential in chemistry, as it ensures that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. This is crucial in understanding the stoichiometry of the reaction, which is the quantitative relationship between the reactants and products.

Q: How do I determine the missing coefficient in a chemical equation?

A: To determine the missing coefficient in a chemical equation, you need to count the number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product sides. Then, you need to balance the atoms by multiplying the coefficients for the reactants and products.

Q: What is the balanced chemical equation for the burning of methane?

A: The balanced chemical equation for the burning of methane is:

CH4+2O2→CO2+2H2O{ CH_4 + 2O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + 2H_2O }

This equation represents the correct stoichiometry of the reaction, and it provides valuable information about the reactants, products, and the conditions required for the reaction to occur.

Q: How do I balance a chemical equation with multiple reactants and products?

A: To balance a chemical equation with multiple reactants and products, you need to follow the same steps as balancing a simple equation. First, count the number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product sides. Then, balance the atoms by multiplying the coefficients for the reactants and products.

Q: What is the difference between a balanced and unbalanced chemical equation?

A: A balanced chemical equation has the same number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product sides. An unbalanced chemical equation has a different number of atoms for each element on the reactant and product sides.

Q: How do I know if a chemical equation is balanced?

A: To determine if a chemical equation is balanced, you need to count the number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product sides. If the number of atoms is the same on both sides, the equation is balanced.

Q: What is the significance of balancing chemical equations in real-world applications?

A: Balancing chemical equations is crucial in real-world applications, such as:

  • Chemical engineering: Balancing chemical equations is essential in designing and optimizing chemical processes.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Balancing chemical equations is critical in developing new medications and understanding their mechanisms of action.
  • Environmental science: Balancing chemical equations is important in understanding and mitigating the effects of chemical reactions on the environment.

Q: Can you provide examples of balancing chemical equations?

A: Yes, here are some examples of balancing chemical equations:

  • Example 1: Balance the chemical equation:

Na+H2O→NaOH+H2{ Na + H_2O \rightarrow NaOH + H_2 }

  • Solution: The balanced equation is:

2Na+2H2O→2NaOH+H2{ 2Na + 2H_2O \rightarrow 2NaOH + H_2 }

  • Example 2: Balance the chemical equation:

C2H5OH+O2→CO2+H2O{ C_2H_5OH + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O }

  • Solution: The balanced equation is:

2C2H5OH+7O2→4CO2+6H2O{ 2C_2H_5OH + 7O_2 \rightarrow 4CO_2 + 6H_2O }

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations include:

  • Not counting the number of atoms for each element: Make sure to count the number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product sides.
  • Not balancing the atoms correctly: Make sure to balance the atoms by multiplying the coefficients for the reactants and products.
  • Not checking the equation for errors: Make sure to check the equation for errors and inconsistencies.

Conclusion

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can determine the missing coefficient in both the reactants and the products. Remember to count the number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product sides, and balance the atoms by multiplying the coefficients for the reactants and products. With practice and patience, you can become proficient in balancing chemical equations and apply this skill to real-world applications.

Additional Resources

  • Khan Academy: Balancing Chemical Equations
  • Chemistry LibreTexts: Balancing Chemical Equations
  • Purdue University Online Writing Lab: Balancing Chemical Equations

References

  • Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., & Herring, F. G. (2006). General chemistry: Principles and modern applications. Pearson Prentice Hall.
  • Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2006). Physical chemistry. Oxford University Press.
  • Chang, R. (2008). Chemistry. McGraw-Hill.