Question

A classmate asks for your help writing an equilibrium expression for the combustion of methane gas: ch4(

Answer 1

This reaction is irreversible. The reactants are entirely converted into reaction products. Combustion of methane is a typical example of an irreversible reaction.

Answer 2

Answer:

Explanation:

When discussing equilibrium of a chemical reaction, the reaction must be a reversible reaction which can be altered to either produce more of reactants or more of the products. Also, the enthalpy change of the reaction determines whether the forward reaction/backward reaction is endothermic or exothermic.

Below is the equation for the combustion of methane

CH₄ + 2O₂ ⇒ CO₂ + 2H₂O

The combustion of methane is an irreversible reaction (meaning nothing can be done to it to get more reactants) which will give off heat (exothermic reaction). hence, the equilibrium expression is not needed here as the type of reaction it is gives us all the information we need to know already.