Question

Use the equation to answer the question. CH_4 + 2O_2 -> CO_2 + H2O Which statement describes why this chemical equation is not correct? A. There are more hydrogen and oxygen atoms on the left side than on the right side B. There are more carbons and oxygens on the left side than on the right side C. There are more carbons on the left side than the right side D. There are more oxygens on the left side than on the right side

Answer 1

To determine why the provided chemical equation is not correct, let's analyze the equation:

**CH₄ + 2O₂ -> CO₂ + H₂O**

Now, count the atoms of each element on both sides:

- **Left Side:**
- Carbon (C): 1 (from CH₄)
- Hydrogen (H): 4 (from CH₄)
- Oxygen (O): 4 (2 from 2O₂)

- **Right Side:**
- Carbon (C): 1 (from CO₂)
- Hydrogen (H): 2 (from H₂O)
- Oxygen (O): 3 (2 from CO₂ + 1 from H₂O)

Now, let's summarize the counts:

- Carbon: 1 on each side (balanced)
- Hydrogen: 4 on the left, 2 on the right (not balanced)
- Oxygen: 4 on the left, 3 on the right (not balanced)

Now, let's review the statements given:

A. There are more hydrogen and oxygen atoms on the left side than on the right side. **(True; 4 H on left and 4 O on left, compared to 2 H and 3 O on right.)**

B. There are more carbons and oxygens on the left side than on the right side. **(False; Carbons are equal and Oxygens are more on the left.)**

C. There are more carbons on the left side than the right side. **(False; Carbons are equal.)**

D. There are more oxygens on the left side than on the right side. **(True; 4 O on the left vs. 3 O on the right.)**

Hence, the best choice that describes why this chemical equation is not correct would be:

**A. There are more hydrogen and oxygen atoms on the left side than on the right side.**