Methane in natural gas burns completely in oxygen

In summary, the conversation discusses balancing a reaction equation for the complete combustion of methane in natural gas and determining the amount of water produced. The balanced equation is CH4 + 2 O2 → 1 CO2 + 2 H2O and when 1 kg of methane is burned, 2.25 kg of water is produced. The conversation also mentions balancing the equation for the complete combustion of ethanol. The balanced equation is C2H5OH + 3 O2 → 2 CO2 + 3 H2O.
  • #1
chawki
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0

Homework Statement


The methane in natural gas burns completely in oxygen according to the reaction equation:
CH4 +__O2 → __CO2 + __H2O

Homework Equations


a) Complete the reaction equation by filling in the missing coefficients for oxygen, carbon
dioxide and water.
b) How many kilograms of water do you get when you burn 1 kg of methane completely?
Atomic masses: C: 12, H: 1, O: 16.
c) Write the reaction equation for burning ethanol (C2H5OH) in oxygen completely.

The Attempt at a Solution


a) CH4 + 2 O2 → 1 CO2 + 2 H2O

b) CH4 + 2 O2 → 1 CO2 + 2 H2O

1000g-----------------------mwater
16g -------------------------2*18g
mwater= (1000*2*18)/16
mwater= 2250g =2.25Kg

c)
 
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  • #2


So far, so good. Technically - if your teacher is strict about significant digits - you should report 2 kg.
 
  • #3


Ok, thank you!
what about c)

C2H5-OH + 3O2 -----> 2CO2 + 3H2O ?
 
  • #4


Count atoms on both sides and you will know if the reaction is balanced, or not.
 
  • #5


I think it's balanced, we have 2C, 6H, and 7O on each side.
 

Related to Methane in natural gas burns completely in oxygen

1. What is methane and how does it relate to natural gas?

Methane is a colorless and odorless gas that is the main component of natural gas, typically making up around 70-90% of its composition.

2. How is methane able to burn completely in oxygen?

Methane is a hydrocarbon compound composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. When it reacts with oxygen, it undergoes a combustion reaction, breaking apart into carbon dioxide and water vapor. This reaction releases a large amount of heat and energy, making it a highly efficient fuel source.

3. What happens when methane does not burn completely in oxygen?

When methane does not burn completely, it produces byproducts such as carbon monoxide, a toxic gas, and soot, which can contribute to air pollution. Incomplete combustion can occur when there is an insufficient amount of oxygen present, causing the methane molecules to break apart incompletely.

4. Is methane combustion a sustainable source of energy?

While methane combustion is a highly efficient and widely used source of energy, it is not considered sustainable in the long term. Methane is a non-renewable fossil fuel, meaning it takes millions of years to form and cannot be replenished at the rate at which it is being consumed.

5. Are there any environmental concerns associated with burning methane in natural gas?

While burning methane in natural gas can produce less carbon dioxide emissions compared to other fossil fuels, it still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Additionally, the extraction and transportation of natural gas can also have negative impacts on the environment, such as methane leaks and water contamination.

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