CH₄ (g) + 2O₂ (g) → CO₂ (g) + 2H₂O (g)
Here's a breakdown:
* CH₄ (g): Methane gas, the fuel being burned.
* O₂ (g): Oxygen gas, the oxidant required for combustion.
* CO₂ (g): Carbon dioxide gas, the main product of combustion.
* H₂O (g): Water vapor, another product of combustion.
This reaction is a combustion reaction, meaning it involves the rapid reaction between a substance with an oxidant, typically oxygen, to produce heat and light. In this case, the heat and light energy released are the reason we see flames when methane burns.
