The compound methane has the chemical formula of CH4. Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon of the paraffin series and a potent greenhouse gas, as well as being a large component of natural gas. The major human-associated source of methane is the production/combustion of coal (Britannica, 2016). In nature, methane is the product of anaerobic bacterial decomposition and certain human/animal activities (7% methane in flatulence). It can be found in wetlands, termites, landfills, volcanoes and oceans. The abundance of methane makes it a widely used fuel for heat and light (energy) production (ARM, 2016). In this blog, the details of methane will be uncovered.
Below is the 3D molecular model of methane:
The methane compound has a tetrahedral structure and is composed of one carbon and four hydrogen atoms. A carbon (C) atom has four electrons in its outer shell and two in its inner shell, making it the sixth element of the periodic table and a part of group four. A hydrogen (H) atom has one electron in its outer shell, making it the first element of the periodic table and a part of group one. It can only form one bond. Four hydrogen atoms together will each be able to share their one electron with carbon to form four covalent bonds (non-metals react with non-metals) and make a methane molecule. The pairs of shared electrons between the carbon and each hydrogen atom show single covalent bonds (France, 2015).
Methane is a colorless and odorless gas. It is easily ignited in air, forming carbon dioxide and water vapors which are lighter air. Its flame is pale and very hot. Methane is slightly soluble in water and is used in making other chemicals and as a fuel constituent. The boiling point of methane is −162 °C while the melting point is −182.5 °C. It is generally a stable compound but when it's mixed with air (methane content 5-14%), it can become explosive. Methane's mass is 16.04 g/mol (PubChem, 2016).
Links to more info:
References
Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility. (2016). Retrieved 22/07/16
from https://www.arm.gov/education/studyhall/globalwarming/methane
Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2016). Methane. Retrieved 22/07/14 from
https://www.britannica.com/science/methane
France, C. (2015). Products from oil. Retrieved 23/07/14 from http://www.gcsescience.com/o9.htm
National Center for Biotechnology Info. PubChem Compound. (2016). Retrieved 24/07/16 from
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/297
Questions to investigate:
How can those covalent bonds be broken?
What other places can we find methane?
The difficult parts in mathematics and programming include things such as not being able to move the 'turtle' to the desired location and having to understand how 'set scale' works with the x,y and z coordinates. Also, it's hard to make the shapes tilt to the desired angle and it's never easy to know what direction you're facing. Despite those difficulties, it was fascinating to learn about the formulas/commands that could make beautiful products online. It's interesting how a single object (turtle) can be used to create such specific 3D models. I still have a lot to learn.
Links to 3D model and Logo program:
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Good description of methane
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I liked the description of methane.