Combustion of Methane
CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
Overview
Methane burns in oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. This is the primary reaction in natural gas combustion, releasing significant thermal energy. Natural gas is approximately 95% methane and is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel, producing the least CO2 per unit of energy.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Methane CH₄ | 1 | (g) |
| Reactant | Oxygen O | 2 | (g) |
| Product | Carbon Dioxide CO₂ | 1 | (g) |
| Product | Water H₂O | 2 | (l) |
Everyday Example
Natural gas stoves and furnaces burn methane for heating and cooking in millions of homes worldwide.
Industrial Importance
Natural gas combustion provides about 24% of global energy. Gas turbine power plants use this reaction to generate electricity with higher efficiency than coal.
Properties
- Type
- Combustion
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -890.4 kJ/mol
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Combustion of Methane?
The balanced equation is: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O.
What type of reaction is Combustion of Methane?
Combustion of Methane is a combustion reaction.
Is Combustion of Methane exothermic or endothermic?
Combustion of Methane is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -890.4 kJ/mol.