2007-02-15 02:20:32 · 7 answers · asked by rock_angel3005 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
When two chemicals meet, they may react with each other. A chemical reaction occurs as the particles of both chemicals hit each other as they move around (hence two solids will not react unless they are powdered and mixed to create the movement). When the particles collide, they may react if there is enough energy, when enough energy is present, this is known as the 'Activation Energy'. When Methane and oxygen meet at room temperature, the particles do not have enough energy to react even when they collide. Therefore, an ignition energy is needed, in the form of heat.
However, the reaction is 'Exothermic' (gives out heat) and so once it has begun, some of this heat is used to further the reaction, until both of the chemicals have been used up forming Carbon Dioxide and Water
2007-02-15 08:07:00 · answer #1 · answered by Ant 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Methane, there are 4 Hydrogen atoms bonded to each carbon atom. The Oxygen itself is bonded to another Oxygen atom.
You need some energy (called "Activation Energy") to break some of these bonds up. Once that has happened, they are free to recombine as Water and Carbon Dioxide. When they do, they also release a great deal more energy than they absorbed in the first place to break up the bonds (an Exothermic reaction). That energy is more than enough to break further bonds in the Methane and Oxygen so they can react... and so on..
I hope this helps?!
2007-02-15 05:12:39 · answer #2 · answered by TK_M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In any chemical reaction you need a certain amount of "Activation energy". Before methane and oxygen can join to form carbon dioxide and water (which gives out energy) bonds between atoms in the molecules must be broken, which requires energy. They generally don't have this energy at room temperature ie. when the gasses get hot the molecules will move quickly and when they collide at this higher speed the combustion reaction will happen.
2007-02-15 02:32:02 · answer #3 · answered by Thesmileyman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The simple answer is that in order for new products to be formed , bonds have to be broken. This includes the 4 C-H bonds found in methane and the oxygen double bond. This makes methane and oxygen a stable source. This requires energy and so must be supplied by a heat source, without it nothing happens.
2007-02-15 02:29:57 · answer #4 · answered by The exclamation mark 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bcuz methane is a combustible substance whereas oxygen just supports combustion.......oxygen is used burn(combustion)
2007-02-15 02:27:20 · answer #5 · answered by sriramna 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because you need to add energy to the equation in order to start the reaction.
2007-02-15 02:29:30 · answer #6 · answered by Ricky J. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because an ignition source is needed.
2007-02-15 02:23:13 · answer #7 · answered by xox_bass_player_xox 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋