Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Methane is a colorless, odorless gas consisting of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms. It's the main component of natural gas and is also produced by organic decay processes.
Related terms
Hydrocarbon: Compounds composed of only carbon and hydrogen.
Greenhouse Gas: A gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation, like methane.
Organic Compound: Any member of a large class of gaseous, liquid, or solid chemical compounds whose molecules contain carbon.