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

To balance the chemical equation for the combustion of methane (CH4), you need to ensure that there are equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. The combustion reaction involves methane reacting with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. The unbalanced equation is:

CH4 + O2 → CO2 + H2O

Here are the steps to balance this equation:

1. Balance the carbon atoms. There is 1 carbon atom on the left side (in CH4) and 1 on the right side (in CO2), so the carbon atoms are already balanced.

2. Balance the hydrogen atoms. There are 4 hydrogen atoms on the left side (in CH4) and 2 on the right side (in H2O). To balance the hydrogen atoms, place a coefficient of 2 in front of H2O:

   CH4 + O2 → CO2 + 2H2O

3. Now, balance the oxygen atoms. There are 2 oxygen atoms on the left side (in O2) and 4 on the right side (2 in CO2 and 2 in 2H2O). To balance the oxygen atoms, place a coefficient of 2 in front of O2:

   CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O

Now, the equation is balanced with 1 carbon atom, 4 hydrogen atoms, and 4 oxygen atoms on both sides.