Methane gas \( \left(\mathrm{CH}_{4}\right) \) and oxygen yield carbon dioxide and water. Type of Reaction:

The reaction between methane gas (\(\mathrm{CH}_{4}\)) and oxygen (\(\mathrm{O}_{2}\)) to produce carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\)) and water (\(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O}\)) is classified as a **combustion reaction**. ### Balanced Chemical Equation: \[ \mathrm{CH}_{4} + 2\,\mathrm{O}_{2} \rightarrow \mathrm{CO}_{2} + 2\,\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O} \] ### Characteristics of a Combustion Reaction: - **Exothermic Nature:** Combustion reactions release energy, usually in the form of heat and light. - **Reactants:** Typically involve a fuel (in this case, methane) and an oxidizer (oxygen). - **Products:** Commonly produce carbon dioxide and water when hydrocarbons are combusted in sufficient oxygen. ### Example: When methane burns in air (which contains oxygen), it produces carbon dioxide and water vapor, releasing energy that can be harnessed for heating, electricity generation, or powering engines. ### Applications: - **Energy Production:** Natural gas (primarily methane) is used in power plants and heating systems. - **Transportation:** Methane can be used as a fuel in internal combustion engines, either directly or after conversion to other fuels like hydrogen. Understanding combustion reactions is fundamental in fields ranging from energy engineering to environmental science, as they play a crucial role in both energy production and pollution generation.