How to Balance CH3OH + O2 = CO2+ H2O (Combustion of Methanol)

To balance CH3OH + O2 = CO2+ H2O you'll need to watch out for two things. Visit https://www.Breslyn.org for video guides on balancing equations and more!

First, be sure to count all of C, H, and O atoms on each side of the chemical equation. Once you know how many of each type of atom you have you can only change the coefficients (the numbers in front of atoms or compounds) in order to balance the equation.

Be careful when counting the Oxygen atoms on the product side of the equation. Don't forget the O in H2O! Often for combustion reactions it is easiest to leave the O2 until last.

Important tips for balancing chemical equations:

Only change the numbers in front of compounds (the coefficients).
Never change the numbers after atoms (the subscripts).
The number of each atom on both sides of the equation must be the same for the equation to be balanced.

For a complete tutorial on balancing all types of chemical equations, watch my video:

   • How to Balance Chemical Equations in ...  


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