What is the word equation for the combustion of methane?
Check the final answer first, then review the worked steps.
Problem
What is the word equation for the combustion of methane?
Answer
methane + oxygen $\rightarrow$ carbon dioxide + water
Step-by-step solution
- Identify the reactants: The problem states that "During complete combustion, a fuel reacts with oxygen." Methane is the fuel in question. Therefore, the reactants are methane and oxygen.
- Identify the products of complete combustion: Complete combustion of a hydrocarbon (like methane, which is CH$_4$) with oxygen always produces carbon dioxide and water.
- Formulate the word equation: Based on the reactants and products identified, the word equation for the combustion of methane is: Methane + Oxygen $\rightarrow$ Carbon Dioxide + Water.