Question

Give the names of the elements present in:

Methane

Answer 1

Methane $\left({\mathrm{CH}}_4\right)$ is a compound.

Compound: A compound is a pure substance in which elements combine chemically in a fixed composition to give a compound.

• They can be broken down into elements that make up the compound by using chemical or electrochemical methods.
• Example: Water $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)$, Common salt i.e. Sodium chloride $\left(\mathrm{NaCl}\right)$

To find out the elements present in methane:

Step-1: Write the chemical formula of the compound

• Methane is a compound with chemical formula ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$

Step-2: Identify the elements present in the compound from their chemical symbols.

S.No	Symbol of the element	Name of the elements
1	$\mathrm{C}$	Carbon
2	$\mathrm{H}$	Hydrogen

Element: An element is a pure substance that cannot be split into simpler substances.

• Example: Hydrogen $\left(\mathrm{H}\right)$, Copper $\left(\mathrm{Cu}\right)$ etc.