The chemical formula for methane is CH4. Methane is an organic compound. It is also categorized as hydrocarbon because it only consists of carbon and hydrogen atoms. When methane is burned, it reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water. The general equation for the reaction is;
CH4(g) + O2(g) ------ > CO2(g) + H2O(g)
The balanced equation for the reaction is;
CH4(g) + 2O2(g) ------ > CO2(g) + 2H2O(g)
One mole of methane reacts with two moles of oxygen molecules to yield one mole of carbon dioxide and two moles of water.
CH4(g) + O2(g) ------ > CO2(g) + H2O(g)
The balanced equation for the reaction is;
CH4(g) + 2O2(g) ------ > CO2(g) + 2H2O(g)
One mole of methane reacts with two moles of oxygen molecules to yield one mole of carbon dioxide and two moles of water.