The Reaction

The reaction you're describing is a substitution reaction where chlorine gas (Cl₂) reacts with methane (CH₄) to produce carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) and hydrogen chloride (HCl).

The Balanced Chemical Equation:

```

CH₄ + 4Cl₂ → CCl₄ + 4HCl

```

Explanation:

* Methane (CH₄): This is the starting hydrocarbon, containing one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.

* Chlorine gas (Cl₂): This is the reactant that will replace the hydrogen atoms in methane.

* Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄): This is the product where all four hydrogen atoms in methane have been replaced by chlorine atoms.

* Hydrogen chloride (HCl): This is the other product formed as hydrogen atoms are replaced by chlorine.

Important Notes:

* This reaction requires light or heat to initiate.

* The reaction occurs in a stepwise manner, with one chlorine atom replacing a hydrogen atom at a time.

* This reaction is an example of a halogenation reaction, where a halogen (like chlorine) is added to a molecule.

Let me know if you have any other chemistry questions!