Physics Chemistry & Biology Test _ Chemical Reactions and Equations
1. Which type of reaction is natural gas combustion an example of?

<p>Natural gas combustion is an example of an exothermic reaction. In an exothermic reaction, energy is released in the form of heat. When natural gas (primarily methane, CH₄) burns, it reacts with oxygen (O₂) to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O), and releases heat energy:</p> <p><span class="mord">CH<sub>4</sub><span class="vlist-s">​</span><span class="mbin">+</span>2O<sub>2</sub><span class="vlist-s">​</span><span class="mrel">&rarr;</span>CO<sub>2</sub><span class="vlist-s">​</span><span class="mbin">+</span>2H<sub>2</sub><span class="vlist-s">​</span>O<span class="mbin">+</span>heat</span></p> <p>The release of heat during the combustion process characterizes it as an exothermic reaction.</p>