QuestionJune 17, 2025

In the combustion of methane (balanced reaction shown below), what are acceptable ratios of methane to oxygen to ensure complete combustion? CH_(4)+2O_(2)arrow CO_(2)+2H_(2)O 1CH_(4):4O_(2) 2CH_(4):1O_(2) 1CH_(4):3O_(2) C 1CH_(4):1O_(2) 0.5CH_(4):1O_(2)

In the combustion of methane (balanced reaction shown below), what are acceptable ratios of methane to oxygen to ensure complete combustion? CH_(4)+2O_(2)arrow CO_(2)+2H_(2)O 1CH_(4):4O_(2) 2CH_(4):1O_(2) 1CH_(4):3O_(2) C 1CH_(4):1O_(2) 0.5CH_(4):1O_(2)
In the combustion of methane (balanced reaction shown below), what
are acceptable ratios of methane to oxygen to ensure complete
combustion?
CH_(4)+2O_(2)arrow CO_(2)+2H_(2)O
1CH_(4):4O_(2)
2CH_(4):1O_(2)
1CH_(4):3O_(2)
C 1CH_(4):1O_(2)
0.5CH_(4):1O_(2)

Solution
4.1(252 votes)

Answer

1CH_{4}:4O_{2}, 1CH_{4}:3O_{2}, 0.5CH_{4}:1O_{2} Explanation 1. Identify the Balanced Reaction Ratio The balanced equation CH_{4} + 2O_{2} \rightarrow CO_{2} + 2H_{2}O indicates that **1 mole of CH_{4} reacts with 2 moles of O_{2}** for complete combustion. 2. Evaluate Given Ratios Compare each given ratio to the balanced reaction ratio (1:2). - 1CH_{4}:4O_{2} - Excess oxygen, but acceptable. - 2CH_{4}:1O_{2} - Insufficient oxygen. - 1CH_{4}:3O_{2} - Excess oxygen, but acceptable. - 1CH_{4}:1O_{2} - Insufficient oxygen. - 0.5CH_{4}:1O_{2} - Matches the balanced ratio when scaled (0.5:1 is equivalent to 1:2).

Explanation

1. Identify the Balanced Reaction Ratio<br /> The balanced equation $CH_{4} + 2O_{2} \rightarrow CO_{2} + 2H_{2}O$ indicates that **1 mole of $CH_{4}$ reacts with 2 moles of $O_{2}$** for complete combustion.<br /><br />2. Evaluate Given Ratios<br /> Compare each given ratio to the balanced reaction ratio (1:2).<br /><br />- $1CH_{4}:4O_{2}$ - Excess oxygen, but acceptable.<br />- $2CH_{4}:1O_{2}$ - Insufficient oxygen.<br />- $1CH_{4}:3O_{2}$ - Excess oxygen, but acceptable.<br />- $1CH_{4}:1O_{2}$ - Insufficient oxygen.<br />- $0.5CH_{4}:1O_{2}$ - Matches the balanced ratio when scaled (0.5:1 is equivalent to 1:2).
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