An example of oxidation and reduction in a chemical reaction is the combustion of methane.

Methane (CH4) is a hydrocarbon that can be burned in the presence of oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). In this reaction, methane is oxidized while oxygen is reduced. The oxidation of methane involves the loss of hydrogen atoms, while the reduction of oxygen involves the gain of electrons.

The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of methane is:

CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O

In this equation, methane is oxidized to form carbon dioxide, which is a more highly oxidized form of carbon. Oxygen is reduced to form water, which is a more highly reduced form of oxygen.

During the reaction, the carbon-hydrogen bonds in methane are broken, and new bonds are formed between carbon and oxygen, and between hydrogen and oxygen. The energy released by the reaction is used to heat up the surroundings.

The combustion of methane is an important example of oxidation and reduction in everyday life. It is used to generate heat and energy in many industrial and domestic applications, such as heating homes and cooking food. However, it also produces carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Therefore, it is important to find ways to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and develop more sustainable energy sources.


A Level

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