Which of the following answers shows CH4 +2O2=CO2 +H2O as balanced?
A. CH4 + 2O2 = 2CO2 + 2H2O
B. 2CH4 + 4O2 = 2CO2 + H2O
C. 2CH4 + O2 = 2CO2 + H2O
D. CH4 + 2O2 = CO2 + 2H2O
For the formula CH4 + 2O2 = CO2 + H2O to be balanced there must be an equal number of molecules on both the reactant and product sides. In this case, for the formula to be balanced, a coefficient of a 2 needs to be placed in front of the O2 and the H2O molecules. This would make both the reactant and product sides have one carbon, four hydrogens, and four oxygens
Therefore, the Correct Answer is D.