balance this equation. if a coefficient of \1\ is required, choose \blank\ for that box. ch₃oh + o₂ → ch₂o +…

Explanation:

Step1: Balance carbon atoms

The number of carbon atoms is 1 on both sides initially, so the coefficient of $CH_3OH$ and $CH_2O$ is 1 for now. $1CH_3OH + O_2\rightarrow1CH_2O + H_2O$

Step2: Balance hydrogen atoms

There are 4 hydrogen atoms in $CH_3OH$. In $CH_2O$, there are 2 hydrogen - atoms and in $H_2O$, there are 2 hydrogen atoms. So the coefficient of $H_2O$ is 1 to balance hydrogen atoms. $1CH_3OH + O_2\rightarrow1CH_2O + 1H_2O$

Step3: Balance oxygen atoms

On the left - hand side, in $CH_3OH$ there is 1 oxygen atom. Let the coefficient of $O_2$ be $x$. So the total number of oxygen atoms on the left is $1 + 2x$. On the right - hand side, in $CH_2O$ there is 1 oxygen atom and in $H_2O$ there is 1 oxygen atom, so there are 2 oxygen atoms in total. $1+2x = 2$, solving for $x$ gives $x=\frac{1}{2}$. But we need whole - number coefficients, so we multiply the entire equation by 2. $2CH_3OH + 1O_2\rightarrow2CH_2O + 2H_2O$

Answer:

2, 1, 2, 2