Methane Molecule in 3D: CH₄ Structure and Facts
Methane is one carbon atom with four hydrogen atoms around it, the simplest hydrocarbon. It is the main part of natural gas and a strong greenhouse gas. In Molecule Studio you can spin the methane molecule, zoom in on each atom and measure its bonds.
Explore in 3DMethane quick facts
| Chemical formula | CH₄ |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 16.04 g/mol |
| Atoms in one molecule | 5 |
| Shape | Tetrahedral, with angles of about 109.5 degrees |
| Group | Essentials |
What is methane used for?
- Natural gas for heating and cooking
- Making hydrogen and other chemicals
- Biogas from waste
Interesting facts about methane
- Its four hydrogens point to the corners of a tetrahedron.
- It is the main gas in natural gas.
- Cows and wetlands release methane.
- It is a stronger greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, though it lasts less time in the air.
What you can do in 3D
Turn the molecule to see it from every side, switch between ball and stick, space filling and wire views, and tap atoms to measure bond lengths and angles.
More essentials molecules
Methane questions
What is the formula of methane?
CH4: one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms.
What shape is methane?
Tetrahedral, with H-C-H angles of about 109.5 degrees.
Where does methane come from?
Natural gas deposits, wetlands, farm animals, rice fields and rotting waste.
Is methane a greenhouse gas?
Yes. It traps more heat than carbon dioxide molecule for molecule, though it breaks down faster.
Molecule Studio is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up. In the tool, molecules load from the built-in library or from PubChem.