For the reaction, `CH_(4)(g)+(1)/(2)O_(2)(g)toCH_(3)OH(g),DeltaH^(0)=`negative at `25^(@)C`. If the standard enthalpies of combustion of `CH_(4)(g) and CH_(3)OH(g)` at `25^(@)C` are `-xkJ*mol^(-1)&-ykJ*mol^(-1)` respectively, then will the value of x be less than, greater than or equal to the value of y?

Explanation

`CH_(4)(g)+2O_(2)(g)toCO_(2)(g)+2H_(2)O(l),DeltaH^(0)=-xkJ` . .[1]
`CH_(3)OH(g)+(3)/(2)O_(2)(g)toCO_(2)(g)+2H_(2)O(l),DeltaH^(0)=-ykJ` . .[2]
Subtracting equation [2] from equation [1], we obtain
`CH_(4)(g)+(1)/(2)O_(2)(g)toCH_(3)OH (g),DeltaH^(0)=(y-x) kJ`
According to the question, (y-x)=negative, thus, `xgty`.