The Combustion of Methane
Source: Duke Energy Gas Transmission Canada
When we say that methane is combustible, it means that it is possible to burn it. Chemically, this process consists of a reaction between methane and oxygen. When this reaction takes place, the result is carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and a great deal of energy. Chemists would write the following to represent the combustion of methane:
CH4[g] + 2 O2[g] -> CO2[g] + 2 H2O[l] + 891 kJ