Ace the IGCSE Chemistry Challenge 2025 – Ignite Your Science Success!

The reaction between methane (CH₄) and bromine (Br₂) involves the substitution of one of the hydrogen atoms in methane with a bromine atom, leading to the formation of bromoethane (CH₃Br) and hydrogen bromide (HBr). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is represented as:

CH₄ + Br₂ -> CH₃Br + HBr.

In this reaction, bromine reacts with methane in the presence of light or heat, promoting the breaking of the Br-Br bond and allowing the bromine atom to substitute for a hydrogen atom in methane. This halogenation process is typical for alkanes when they react with halogens.

While the other equations reflect different sets of reactants or products, they do not accurately represent the reaction between methane and bromine. For example, one of the options suggests a reaction with chlorine instead of bromine, while another involves ethane rather than methane. Another proposes a reaction with fluorine, which also yields a different product. Hence, the specific combination and products involving methane and bromine as seen in the correct response are the focus of this question.