Balance the following reactions :

CH₄ + O₂→ CO₂ + H₂O

Balanced equation: CH₄ + 2O₂→ CO₂ + 2H₂O

Step 1: Write the unbalanced equation

CH₄ + O₂→ CO₂ + H₂O

Step 2: Compare the number of atoms of reactants with the number of atoms of products.

Step 3: Now, first we consider the element having unequal no. of atoms on both sides. Thus, first let us consider the hydrogen atom. If we multiply 2 in the product (in H₂O), we will get the equal number of hydrogen atoms as in reactant (in CH₄)

Step 4: Write the resulting equation:

CH₄ + O₂→ CO₂ + 2H₂O

Step 5: Now check whether the equation is balanced or not by comparing the atoms

We find that the equation is not balanced yet. As the number of oxygen atoms is unequal. Hence, balance the oxygen atom.

Step 6: If we multiply 2 in the reactant (in O₂), we will get the equal number of oxygen atoms on both sides.

Step 7: Write the resulting equation:

CH₄ + 2O₂→ CO₂ + 2H₂O

Step 8: Now check whether the equation is balanced or not by comparing the atoms.

We find that the equation is balanced now.

Step 9: Write down the final balanced equation:

CH₄ + 2O₂→ CO₂ + 2H₂O