The symbol for methane is CH4.
Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon, a chemical compound composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Its chemical formula, CH4, serves as its symbol in chemical contexts.
Understanding the Symbol: CH4
The symbol CH4 represents the molecular composition of methane.
- C: Stands for the element Carbon.
- H: Stands for the element Hydrogen.
- 4: Indicates that there are four hydrogen atoms bonded to one carbon atom in a single molecule of methane.
According to PubChem (CID 297), Methane is identified by the formula CH4.
Key Facts About Methane
Here are some essential points about methane:
- It is a colorless, odorless gas.
- It is the main component of natural gas.
- Methane is a potent greenhouse gas.
- It has a tetrahedral molecular geometry, with the carbon atom at the center bonded to four hydrogen atoms.
Molecular Composition of Methane
| Element | Symbol | Number of Atoms |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | C | 1 |
| Hydrogen | H | 4 |
This composition results in the chemical formula CH4. Understanding this formula is fundamental to studying the properties and reactions of methane.
