Methane
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Methane is a gaseous (at room temperature) hydrocarbon with chemical formula CH4.
About Methane
- Methane is hydrocarbon because it contains only Hydrogen and Carbon atoms.
- Methane can be oxidised to produce Carbon Dioxide and Water.
- Methane + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water
- Methane is a Greenhouse Gas contributing to Global Warming.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Methane is a gaseous (at room temperature) alkane with chemical formula CH4.
About Methane
| Chemical Formula (CnH2n+2) | Structural Formula | Structural Diagram | Ball and Stick Model |
| CH4 | CH4 |  |
 |
- Methane is hydrocarbon because it contains only Hydrogen and Carbon atoms.
- Methane can be oxidised to produce Carbon Dioxide and Water.
- Methane + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water
- CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
- Methane is a Greenhouse Gas contributing to Global Warming.
References
AQA
- Methane, page 235, GCSE Physics; Student Book, Collins, AQA
- Methane, page 278, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Biology, CGP, AQA
- Methane, page 343, GCSE Biology, CGP, AQA
- Methane, pages 109-10, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy 2, Hodder, AQA
- Methane, pages 188, 209, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Chemistry, CGP, AQA
- Methane, pages 220, 271, GCSE Chemistry, CGP, AQA
- Methane, pages 283, 294, GCSE Biology; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
- Methane, pages 44, 46, 194, 197, 198, 201, GCSE Chemistry; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
- Methane, pages 64-5, 73, 90, 180, 228-9, 234-5, 254, 256, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA