Question

a scientist performs the following reaction: ch₄ + 2o₂ → co₂ + 2h₂o. how many atoms of each element are used in the reaction

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze carbon atoms

In $CH_4$, there is 1 carbon atom. There are no other carbon - containing reactants. So, the total number of carbon atoms used is 1.

Step2: Analyze hydrogen atoms

In $CH_4$, there are 4 hydrogen atoms. There are no other hydrogen - containing reactants. So, the total number of hydrogen atoms used is 4.

Step3: Analyze oxygen atoms

In $2O_2$, the sub - script 2 indicates 2 oxygen atoms per $O_2$ molecule, and the coefficient 2 makes it $2\times2 = 4$ oxygen atoms. So, the total number of oxygen atoms used is 4.

Answer:

1 atom of carbon, 4 atoms of hydrogen, and 4 atoms of oxygen