Question

The chemical formula of marsh gas (methane) is

• A. ${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_6$
• B. ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$
• C. ${\mathrm{C}}_3{\mathrm{H}}_8$
• D. ${\mathrm{C}}_4{\mathrm{H}}_{10}$

Answer 1

The correct option is B

${\mathrm{CH}}_4$

The explanation for the Correct answer

(B) ${\mathbf{CH}}_{\mathbf{4}}$

1. Methane is the main constituent of natural gas and is also known as marsh gas or methyl hydride.
2. Methane is the simplest alkane and has a carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms and the chemical formula is${\mathrm{CH}}_4$.
3. Structural formula:
4. Hence, option B is correct.

The explanation for the incorrect answer

(A) ${\mathbf{C}}_{\mathbf{2}}{\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{6}}$

1. It is known as ethane through homologous series from where the number of carbon atoms is two and six hydrogen atoms, so its name is ethane.
2. Structural formula:
3. Hence, option (A) is incorrect.

(C) ${\mathbf{C}}_{\mathbf{3}}{\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{8}}$

1. It is called propane as it has three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms.
2. Structural formula:
3. Hence, option (C) is incorrect.

(D) ${\mathbf{C}}_{\mathbf{4}}{\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{10}}$

1. It is called butane as it has four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms.
2. Structural formula:
3. Hence option (D) is incorrect.

Therefore, Marsh gas methane is${\mathrm{CH}}_4$, hence option (B) is correct.