What percentages of methane in a methane air mixture, when burned or exploded, will produce relatively large amounts of Carbon Dioxide?

When methane is burned in an air mixture, it undergoes a combustion reaction that produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) as byproducts. The efficiency of this reaction depends on the concentration of methane within the mixture.

In the context of combustion, a mixture containing 5-10% methane in air achieves a balance that supports efficient combustion, resulting in the production of a comparatively large amount of carbon dioxide. This range allows for sufficient oxygen to be available for complete combustion, minimizing the formation of unburned hydrocarbons while maximizing the yield of CO2 as a byproduct.

At levels below 5%, there may not be enough methane present to sustain a robust combustion reaction, which could lead to lower CO2 emissions. On the other hand, concentrations above 10% may result in a greater proportion of unburned methane if the air supply is not adequate, therefore still not producing optimal amounts of CO2 relative to methane burned. The selected range of 5-10% is thus critical for achieving a clear and effective combustion process that maximizes CO2 production.