Why is condensation on the beaker resulted from burning methane a chemical reaction?
The condensation is H2O. A chemical reaction (burning) is needed to create H2O from CH4
To understand why condensation on a beaker resulting from burning methane can be considered a chemical reaction, we need to break it down step-by-step.
First, let's examine what happens when methane (CH4) is burned. The chemical equation for this combustion reaction is:
CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
In this equation, methane (CH4) reacts with oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). It is important to note that this reaction releases a significant amount of energy, which is usually observed as heat and light.
Now, let's focus on the water vapor formed as a result of the combustion reaction. When methane is burned, one molecule of methane combines with two molecules of oxygen to produce two molecules of water vapor. The water vapor is in a gaseous state initially because it's formed at a high temperature.
However, once the hot water vapor comes into contact with the cooler surface of the beaker, it undergoes a phase change called condensation. Condensation occurs when a gas cools down and transitions into liquid form. The water vapor in the gas phase loses energy to the surroundings (the beaker) and is converted into liquid water droplets, which appear as condensation on the beaker.
In summary, the condensation on the beaker resulting from burning methane is considered a chemical reaction because it is the consequence of a chemical reaction (the combustion of methane) that produces water vapor. The cooling and subsequent condensation of this water vapor is a physical change, but it is a direct result of the underlying chemical reaction taking place.