Methane: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฅ
methane
[หmษฮธeษชn ]
Definition
chemical compound
Methane is a colorless, odorless gas that is the simplest hydrocarbon, consisting of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. It is a major component of natural gas and is used as a fuel and in the production of organic chemicals.
Synonyms
CH4, natural gas.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| methane |
This duplicate seems to be a formatting error. If intended for another context, it could specify similar usages as the earlier 'methane'. |
| natural gas |
This term is often used in industrial and commercial contexts to refer to a fuel source that is primarily composed of methane but may contain other hydrocarbons and gases. It is commonly used in households and industries for heating and energy.
|
| CH4 |
This is the chemical formula for methane and is often used in scientific literature, equations, and discussions that require precise notation.
|
Examples of usage
- Methane is released during the decomposition of organic matter.
- Many households use methane as a clean and efficient source of energy.
- The combustion of methane produces carbon dioxide and water.
- Natural gas vehicles often run on methane.
- Biogas plants produce methane from organic waste.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Greek word 'methy', which means 'wine', reflecting its early discovery when associated with the fermentation process.
- The '-ane' suffix signifies that it is a type of alkane, a category of hydrocarbons where carbon atoms form chains with hydrogen.
Science
- In nature, methane is produced when organic matter decomposes in the absence of oxygen, a process often occurring in wetlands.
- Methane is a greenhouse gas that is more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere, making it a significant player in climate change discussions.
Industry
- It is a primary component of natural gas, with over 90% of natural gas being methane, widely used for energy in homes and industries.
- Methane can be captured and used as a renewable energy source through technologies like anaerobic digestion, turning waste into energy.
Pop Culture
- Methane has been referenced in various documentaries and shows discussing environmental issues and the impact of livestock on climate change.
- Popular science fiction often mentions 'methane' as a key resource for potential human colonies on planets like Mars.
Psychology
- Studies on knowledge perception show that many people think of methane as a hazardous material due to its flammability and association with pollution.
- Educational efforts aim to change misconceptions about methane, highlighting its benefits if managed correctly.
Translations
Translations of the word "methane" in other languages:
๐ต๐น metano
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเฅเคฅเฅเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Methan
๐ฎ๐ฉ metana
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะตัะฐะฝ
๐ต๐ฑ metan
๐ฏ๐ต ใกใฟใณ
๐ซ๐ท mรฉthane
๐ช๐ธ metano
๐น๐ท metan
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฉํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ูุซุงู
๐จ๐ฟ metan
๐ธ๐ฐ metรกn
๐จ๐ณ ็ฒ็ท
๐ธ๐ฎ metan
๐ฎ๐ธ metan
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะตัะฐะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ metan
๐ฒ๐ฝ metano