Name the molecule CH4.

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Multiple Choice

Name the molecule CH4.

Explanation:
Naming simple hydrocarbons by the number of carbon atoms is being tested. CH4 has one carbon and four hydrogens, so the proper name is methane. This fits the alkane pattern, where the formula is CnH2n+2 and the ending -ane marks single bonds. The other common simple hydrocarbons have more carbons: ethane with two carbons (C2H6), propane with three (C3H8), and butane with four (C4H10). So CH4 is methane.

Naming simple hydrocarbons by the number of carbon atoms is being tested. CH4 has one carbon and four hydrogens, so the proper name is methane. This fits the alkane pattern, where the formula is CnH2n+2 and the ending -ane marks single bonds. The other common simple hydrocarbons have more carbons: ethane with two carbons (C2H6), propane with three (C3H8), and butane with four (C4H10). So CH4 is methane.

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