The conversion of natural gas to synthesis gas during the production of methanol is shown, by the following equation :

Question

CH4(g) +H2O(g)=CO(g)+3H2(g) H=+206kJ/mol
what does the value H =+206kJ/mol indicate about the reaction?

Answer 1

It means that during this reaction, it is highly endothermic, meaning that heat is consumed during the reaction at 206kJ/mol.

If the value were to be negative, then this reaction would be exothermic.

Answer 2

Note that this is delta H = 206 kJ/mol