Methane: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Created page with "Methane is a hydrocarbon and it is the simplest alkane with the chemical formula CH<sub>4</sub>. It is composed of a single carbon atom and ..." |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
Reactions<br> | == Reactions<br> == | ||
Complete combustion:<br> | Complete combustion:<br> | ||
CH<sub>4</sub> + O<sub>2</sub> → CO<sub>2</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O<br> | CH<sub>4</sub> + O<sub>2</sub> → CO<sub>2</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O<br> | ||
Incomplete combustion:<br> | Incomplete combustion:<br> | ||
2 CH<sub>4</sub> + 4 O<sub>2</sub> → 2 CO<sub>2</sub> + 4 H<sub>2</sub>O<br> | 2 CH<sub>4</sub> + 4 O<sub>2</sub> → 2 CO<sub>2</sub> + 4 H<sub>2</sub>O<br> | ||
Revision as of 12:17, 23 October 2012
Methane is a hydrocarbon and it is the simplest alkane with the chemical formula CH4. It is composed of a single carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms covalently bonded (single covalent bonds). This bonding gives a tetrahedral structure (109.5º).
Its natural production is mainly due to methanogenesis (a reaction carried out by methanogens). Through human activity, its presence is because of the losses during extractions of oil, gas and coal.
Methane is also considered a greenhouse gas, since it contributes to global warming. Its global warming potential is 30 (this is a measure of heat trapping effectiveness compared to CO2).
Reactions
Complete combustion:
CH4 + O2 → CO2 + H2O
Incomplete combustion:
2 CH4 + 4 O2 → 2 CO2 + 4 H2O