Definition of methane Methane

/mɛˈθejˌn/ - [metheyn] - meth•ane

We found 7 definitions of methane from 6 different sources.

What does methane mean?

Noun Plural: methane
methane - a colorless odorless gas used as a fuel
		alkane, alkane series, methane series, paraffin series, paraffin a series of non-aromatic saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH(2n+2)
		gas the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity; relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature; the ability to diffuse readily; and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
		natural gas, gas a fossil fuel in the gaseous state; used for cooking and heating homes

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methane (Noun)
The simplest aliphatic hydrocarbon, CH4, being a constituent of natural gas .
methane (Noun)
Any of very many derivatives of methane.

methane (n.)
A light, colorless, gaseous, inflammable hydrocarbon, CH4; marsh gas. See Marsh gas, under Gas.

methane
A colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas, lighter than air and reacting violently with chlorine and bromine in sunlight, a chief component of natural gas; used as a source of methanol, acetylene, and carbon monoxide.

Methane is a hydrocarbon that is a gas at room temperature (20oC). Its molecular formula is CH4, so it has one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms in a molecule. It is often found as the main part of natural gas. Methane is a greenhouse gas 22 times more effective than carbon dioxide. It is also less stable and slowly oxidates by oxygen to carbon dioxide and water.

Uses.

Methane is used in gas taps in places such as chemistry classrooms, laboratories, etc. as it burns very easily because of it's simple molecular structure.

Molecular structure.

Methane's molecular structure is very simple. It is a single carbon atom surrounded by four hydrogen atoms.

Production.

Methane can be produced by many chemical methods, but usually is found in natural gas and is obtained by fractional distillation, after it is become liquid.