Consider the equation:
CH4+O2→2H2O+CO2
Which element or elements are unbalanced in this equation?
Responses
Both Hand Oare unbalanced.
Both , uppercase H, and , uppercase O, are unbalanced.
Only the His unbalanced.
Only the , uppercase H, is unbalanced.
Only the Ois unbalanced.
Only the , uppercase O, is unbalanced.
C, H, and Oare all unbalanced.
Both , uppercase H, and , uppercase O, are unbalanced.
To determine which element or elements are unbalanced in the given equation, CH4 + O2 → 2H2O + CO2, we need to compare the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
First, let's break down the equation:
On the left side:
- There is 1 carbon (C) atom.
- There are 4 hydrogen (H) atoms.
- There are 2 oxygen (O) atoms.
On the right side:
- There are 4 hydrogen (H) atoms.
- There are 2 oxygen (O) atoms.
- There is 1 carbon (C) atom.
Comparing the number of atoms, we can see that the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms is balanced, as there is an equal number on both sides of the equation. However, the number of oxygen atoms is not balanced. There are 2 oxygen atoms on the left side but 3 oxygen atoms on the right side.
Therefore, the element that is unbalanced in this equation is oxygen (O).