The image shows the combustion of methane. Which equation represents this chemical reaction?

• A. CH_4 + O_2 ightarrow C + 2 H_2O
• B. CH_4 + CO_2 ightarrow 2 CO + 2 H_2
• C. CH_4 + 2 O_2 ightarrow CO_2 + 2 H_2O
• D. CH_4 + 2 O_2 ightarrow C_2H_2 + 2 H_2O

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products involved in the combustion of methane. Combustion typically involves methane (CH_4) reacting with oxygen (O_2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO_2) and water (H_2O).
2. Write the general form of the combustion reaction for a hydrocarbon: \(\text{Hydrocarbon} + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O\).
3. Balance the carbon atoms by ensuring the number of carbon atoms on both sides is equal. Methane has 1 carbon atom, so the product side should have 1 CO_2 molecule.
4. Balance the hydrogen atoms by matching the number of hydrogen atoms on both sides. Methane has 4 hydrogen atoms, so the product side should have 2 H_2O molecules (since each water molecule has 2 hydrogens).
5. Balance the oxygen atoms last by adjusting the coefficient of O_2. Count the total oxygen atoms needed on the product side (from CO_2 and H_2O) and set the O_2 coefficient accordingly to balance the equation.