Question

balance the chemical equation below using the smallest possible whole number stoichiometric coefficients. ch₄(g) + o₂(g) → co₂(g) + h₂o(g)

Explanation:

Step1: Balance carbon atoms

On the left - hand side, there is 1 carbon atom in $CH_4$. On the right - hand side, carbon is present in $CO_2$. So, the coefficient of $CO_2$ is 1 to balance carbon atoms: $CH_4(g)+O_2(g)
ightarrow1CO_2(g)+H_2O(g)$.

Step2: Balance hydrogen atoms

There are 4 hydrogen atoms in $CH_4$. In $H_2O$, each molecule has 2 hydrogen atoms. So, the coefficient of $H_2O$ should be 2 to balance hydrogen atoms: $CH_4(g)+O_2(g)
ightarrow CO_2(g)+2H_2O(g)$.

Step3: Balance oxygen atoms

On the right - hand side, there are 4 oxygen atoms (2 in $CO_2$ and 2 in $2H_2O$). On the left - hand side, oxygen is present in $O_2$. So, the coefficient of $O_2$ should be 2 to balance oxygen atoms: $CH_4(g)+2O_2(g)
ightarrow CO_2(g)+2H_2O(g)$.

Answer:

$1CH_4(g)+2O_2(g)
ightarrow1CO_2(g)+2H_2O(g)$