Methane
Definition
Methane is a colorless, odorless gas that is the simplest hydrocarbon with the chemical formula CH4. It's a primary component of natural gas and is used as a fuel source.
Analogy
Think of methane like the basic building block in a LEGO set. Just like you can use one simple block to build complex structures, methane, being the simplest hydrocarbon, forms the basis for more complex organic compounds.
Related terms
Hydrocarbons: These are organic compounds made up entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Methane is an example of this.
Natural Gas: This is a fossil fuel primarily composed of methane. It's used for heating, cooking, and electricity generation.
Greenhouse Gas: These are gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat. Methane is one such gas and contributes to global warming.
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