A reaction between natural gas (CH₄) and atmospheric oxygen does not take place when you simply mix them. However, as soon as you bring a burning matchstick close, the reaction starts immediately and continues until one or both of the reactants are used up. Explain.
The reaction between methane (CH₄) and oxygen (O₂) is an exothermic combustion reaction, which releases energy in the form of heat and light. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is: CH4+2O2→CO2+2H2O+energy Under normal conditions, methane and oxygen do not react spontaneously because, like many chemical reactions, this combustion reaction has an activation energy barrier. … Read more