CH4 + 4HBr → CBr4 + 4H2

Balancing a chemical equation involves adjusting the coefficients of the reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation. Here's a step-by-step approach to balancing the given equation:

Step 1: Start by balancing the carbon atoms. There is 1 carbon atom on the left side (CH4) and 1 carbon atom on the right side (CBr4). Therefore, no change is needed.

Step 2: Balance the hydrogen atoms. There are 4 hydrogen atoms on the left side (CH4 and HBr) and 4 hydrogen atoms on the right side (4H2). Again, no change is required.

Step 3: Now, balance the bromine atoms. There is 1 bromine atom on the left side (HBr) and 4 bromine atoms on the right side (CBr4). To balance this, we need to put a coefficient of 4 in front of HBr. This gives us 4HBr on the left side, providing the necessary 4 bromine atoms.

Step 4: Check the remaining elements. We now have 1 carbon atom, 4 hydrogen atoms, and 4 bromine atoms on both sides of the equation. Therefore, the equation is balanced.

The final balanced equation is:

CH4 + 4HBr → CBr4 + 4H2