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 (CH4) is a colorless, odorless gas that is composed of one carbon atom bonded with four hydrogen atoms. It is the simplest hydrocarbon and serves as an important fuel source and greenhouse gas.
A hydrocarbon is any organic compound consisting exclusively of hydrogen (H) and carbon (C) atoms.
Fuel Source: A fuel source refers to substances that can undergo combustion reactions to release energy, such as gasoline or natural gas.
Greenhouse Gas: A greenhouse gas is any gas that contributes to global warming by trapping heat within Earth's atmosphere. Methane has significant greenhouse effects due to its ability to absorb and emit infrared radiation.