Question

CH₂O + O₂ CO₂ to H2O balance the equation​

Answer 1

Answer: To balance the chemical equation CH₂O + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O, follow these steps:

Step 1: Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.

On the left side (reactants):

Carbon (C) atoms: 1

Hydrogen (H) atoms: 4

Oxygen (O) atoms: 2 (1 from CH₂O and 1 from O₂)

On the right side (products):

Carbon (C) atoms: 1

Hydrogen (H) atoms: 2 (1 from H₂O)

Oxygen (O) atoms: 3 (2 from CO₂ and 1 from H₂O)

Step 2: Balance the elements one at a time, starting with the most complex molecule. In this case, balance the carbon atoms first.

To balance the carbon (C) atoms, we already have one carbon atom on both sides, so no further action is required.

Step 3: Next, balance the hydrogen (H) atoms. We have 4 hydrogen atoms on the left and 2 hydrogen atoms on the right. To balance them, add a coefficient of 2 in front of H₂O on the right side:

CH₂O + O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O

Now, the hydrogen atoms are balanced.

Step 4: Finally, balance the oxygen (O) atoms. We have 2 oxygen atoms on the left and 3 oxygen atoms on the right. To balance them, add a coefficient of 2 in front of O₂ on the left side:

CH₂O + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O

Now, all the elements are balanced on both sides of the equation:

1 Carbon (C) atom on both sides

4 Hydrogen (H) atoms on both sides

4 Oxygen (O) atoms on both sides

The balanced chemical equation is: CH₂O + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O