Methane molecule. Computer model of a methane molecule (CH4). Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded: carbon (grey) and hydrogen (white

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Methane molecule. Computer model of a methane molecule (CH4). Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded: carbon (grey) and hydrogen (white). Methane, an alkane, is a colourless, odourless gas. It is the chief constituent of natural gas, which is used as a fuel. It can be formed by the decay of vegetable matter. When released into the atmosphere, methane traps the heat of the Sun, acting as a greenhouse gas and contributing to global warming.

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Size: 4056px × 3852px
Photo credit: © FRIEDRICH SAURER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 1, alkane, atom, atomic, ball, ball--stick, ch4, chemical, chemistry, entropy, flammable, fuel, gas, global, greenhouse, hydrocarbon, kyoto, methane, model, molecular, molecule, natural, rotation, stick, structural, structure, symmetry, tetrahedral, warming