What sort of reaction occurs when methane and oxygen gas react?

1 Answer
anor277
May 4, 2017

Well, this represents a combustion reaction........

Explanation:

And all chemical reactions balance (i), mass, and (ii) charge:

#CH_4(g)+2O_2(g) rarr CO_2(g) + 2H_2O(l)#

Because strong #C=O# and #O-H# bonds have been formed in the reaction, the reaction is exothermic, i.e. it releases energy:

#CH_4(g)+2O_2(g) rarr CO_2(g) + 2H_2O(l) +Delta#

The energy produced is certainly quantifiable. At the moment, such combustion reactions will be heating our homes, and cooking our breakfast.

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