The burning of natural gas in a gas stove is an example of a combustion reaction. natural gas is mostly methane, ch4. the o2 gas comes from the air. which of these is the correct chemical reaction for this?

CH₄ + 2 O₂ → CO₂ + 2 H₂O

Solution:

Balance chemical equation for said reaction is written in following steps.

1) Write down the reactants and products first,

CH₄ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O

2) Analyze number of elements at left and right hand side,

So,

L. H. S R. H. S

Carbon 1 1

Hydrogen 4 2

Oxygen 2 3

So, the carbon atoms are balanced. Hydrogen atoms are greater at L. H. S, so to balance hydrogen atoms multiply H₂O at R. H. S by 2, hence,

CH₄ + O₂ → CO₂ + 2 H₂O

Now,

L. H. S R. H. S

Carbon 1 1

Hydrogen 4 4

Oxygen 2 4

So, the carbon atoms are balanced. Hydrogen atoms are balanced but oxygen atoms are greater at R. H. S, so to balance oxygen atoms multiply O₂ at L. H. S by 2, hence,

CH₄ + 2 O₂ → CO₂ + 2 H₂O

Now,

L. H. S R. H. S

Carbon 1 1

Hydrogen 4 4

Oxygen 4 4

Equation is balanced now.