Arrange the labels to balance the chemical equation for the combustion of the fossil fuel methane (CH4

The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of methane (CH4) is:

CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O

Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Write down the unbalanced equation: CH4 + O2 -> CO2 + H2O
2. Balance the carbon atoms first. There is one carbon atom on each side, so the carbon is already balanced.
3. Balance the hydrogen atoms next. There are 4 hydrogen atoms in CH4 on the left side and 2 in H2O on the right side. To balance the hydrogen atoms, put a coefficient of 2 in front of H2O on the right side. The equation now looks like this: CH4 + O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O
4. Now, balance the oxygen atoms. There are 2 oxygen atoms in O2 on the left side and 4 on the right side (2 in CO2 and 2 in 2H2O). To balance the oxygen atoms, put a coefficient of 2 in front of O2 on the left side. The equation now looks like this: CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O
5. Check to make sure the equation is balanced. There is 1 carbon atom, 4 hydrogen atoms, and 4 oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation, so the equation is balanced.