Final answer:
The correct chemical formula for methane is CH4. It consists of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms, forming a tetrahedral structure. Methane can also react with chlorine to form carbon tetrachloride and hydrochloric acid.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical formula for methane is CH4. Methane is an organic compound consisting of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. The molecular formula CH4 indicates the elemental composition of the molecule, with each hydrogen atom forming a single bond with the carbon atom. This structure forms a geometric shape known as a tetrahedron, where the carbon atom sits at the center, and the hydrogen atoms are at the corners. Unlike methane, ethane has a chemical formula of C2H6, containing two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms.
Methane is also involved in reactions with other substances. For instance, methane can react with elemental chlorine to produce carbon tetrachloride, as shown in the balanced chemical equation CH4 + 4 Cl2 → CCl4 + 4 HCl. However, it is important to note that the proper molecular formula of methane is CH4, not CH2 which is mistakenly noted in some references.