The correct answer is:
There are more carbons and oxygens on the left side than the right side.
Explanation: In the equation \( \text{CH}_4 + 2\text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \):
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On the left side (reactants):
- Carbon (C): 1 (from CH₄)
- Hydrogen (H): 4 (from CH₄)
- Oxygen (O): 4 (from 2O₂)
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On the right side (products):
- Carbon (C): 1 (from CO₂)
- Hydrogen (H): 2 (from H₂O)
- Oxygen (O): 3 (2 from CO₂ and 1 from H₂O)
When you compare the two sides:
- Carbons: 1 on each side (so this part is balanced).
- Hydrogens: 4 on the left and 2 on the right (not balanced).
- Oxygens: 4 on the left and 3 on the right (not balanced).
Thus, the equation does not balance properly because there are indeed more hydrogen atoms on the left than the right, and there are more total oxygen atoms on the left than on the right. Therefore the statement that there are more carbons and oxygens on the left side is misleading; the issue is primarily with hydrogen and oxygen counts.
If we analyze it carefully, the real issue in this equation is the hydrogen and oxygen counting, not carbon. So an answer focusing on more hydrogen would also be appropriate but regarding maintaining the consistency of the phrase you have provided, the statement about carbons and oxygens mentioned is more correct than others with regards to balance.
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