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 hydrogen atoms

There are 4 hydrogen atoms in $CH_4$. In $H_2O$, we need 2 moles of $H_2O$ to balance the hydrogen atoms. So the equation becomes $CH_4(g)+O_2(g)
ightarrow CO_2(g) + 2H_2O(g)$.

Step2: Balance oxygen atoms

On the right - hand side, there are 4 oxygen atoms (2 in $CO_2$ and 2 in $2H_2O$). So we need 2 moles of $O_2$ on the left - hand side. The balanced equation is $CH_4(g)+2O_2(g)
ightarrow CO_2(g)+2H_2O(g)$.

Answer:

$CH_4(g)+2O_2(g)
ightarrow CO_2(g)+2H_2O(g)$