What is the chemical formula for methane?

What is the chemical formula for methane?

• A. CH₄
• B. CH₃CH₃
• C. CH₃CH₂CH₃
• D. CH₃OH

Answer: (A)

The chemical formula for methane is represented as CH₄. This indicates that a methane molecule consists of one carbon atom (C) bonded to four hydrogen atoms (H). Methane is the simplest alkane and serves as a fundamental building block in organic chemistry. In contrast to the other choices, CH₃CH₃ represents ethane, which consists of two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. CH₃CH₂CH₃ corresponds to propane, featuring three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms. Lastly, CH₃OH represents methanol, which contains one carbon atom but is bonded to an -OH (hydroxyl) group instead of another hydrogen. Therefore, only CH₄ accurately conveys the structure and composition of methane, confirming it as the correct answer.

The chemical formula for methane is represented as CH₄. This indicates that a methane molecule consists of one carbon atom (C) bonded to four hydrogen atoms (H). Methane is the simplest alkane and serves as a fundamental building block in organic chemistry.

In contrast to the other choices, CH₃CH₃ represents ethane, which consists of two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. CH₃CH₂CH₃ corresponds to propane, featuring three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms. Lastly, CH₃OH represents methanol, which contains one carbon atom but is bonded to an -OH (hydroxyl) group instead of another hydrogen. Therefore, only CH₄ accurately conveys the structure and composition of methane, confirming it as the correct answer.