Q
QuestionChemistry

What is the chemical formula for methane?
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified LaTeX formatting guidelines:

Step 2:
: Identify the Chemical Components

Methane is composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Carbon is the central atom, and hydrogen atoms are bonded to it.

Step 3:
: Determine the Bonding

- Carbon has 4 valence electrons and needs 4 more to complete its octet - Hydrogen has 1 valence electron and needs 1 more to complete its electron shell

Step 4:
: Construct the Chemical Formula

- The chemical formula is $$CH_{4}
- Each hydrogen atom forms a single covalent bond with the carbon atom

Final Answer

Additional Notes: - This is the simplest hydrocarbon molecule - It is the primary component of natural gas - The structure follows the octet rule for electron configuration