When natural gas (methane) burns in the oxygen of air, what are the products formed?

Question

Examoogle · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is Option B: Carbon dioxide and water vapour. When methane ($CH_{4}$) undergoes complete combustion in the presence of sufficient oxygen ($O_{2}$), it releases energy and produces carbon dioxide ($CO_{2}$) and water vapour ($H_{2}O$) as the primary combustion products.

Step-by-Step Solution & Concepts:
When methane ($CH_{4}$) undergoes complete combustion in the presence of sufficient oxygen ($O_{2}$), it releases energy and produces carbon dioxide ($CO_{2}$) and water vapour ($H_{2}O$) as the primary combustion products.

Working Principle: Combustion is a rapid exothermic redox reaction. The carbon atom in methane is oxidized from an oxidation state of $-4$ to $+4$ in $CO_{2}$, while the hydrogen atoms are oxidized to $+1$ in $H_{2}O$. Simultaneously, the oxygen atoms in $O_{2}$ are reduced from $0$ to $-2$. This energy release is the basis for using natural gas as a fuel.

Key Formulas: $CH_{4} + 2O_{2} ightarrow CO_{2} + 2H_{2}O + 	ext{Heat}$ — Balanced equation for complete combustion of methane

Key Points: Methane is a hydrocarbon, which always produces carbon dioxide and water upon complete combustion.; Incomplete combustion, occurring due to insufficient oxygen, would produce carbon monoxide ($CO$) or soot (carbon).; The combustion of methane is a highly exothermic process.

Advantages: High energy yield per unit mass; Relatively cleaner than coal combustion

Disadvantages: Production of $CO_{2}$ contributes to the greenhouse effect; Methane itself is a potent greenhouse gas if leaked

Applications: Gas stoves for cooking; Gas-fired power plants for electricity generation

Additional Info: Complete combustion requires an excess of oxygen to ensure all carbon is converted to $CO_{2}$.. Option D is wrong because it describes incomplete combustion, which occurs when oxygen supply is restricted.

Answer: B is correct — Complete combustion of methane always yields carbon dioxide and water vapour.

Exam Tip: Always check if a question mentions 'incomplete' vs 'complete' combustion; 'complete' always leads to $CO_{2} + H_{2}O$, while 'incomplete' leads to $CO$ or $C$.

Examoogle · Answer

Option A: Methane and water vapour

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Option C: Carbon dioxide and oxygen

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Option D: Carbon monoxide and water

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Option E: None of the above

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