Methane is a colorless and odorless gas that is the primary component of natural gas. It is the simplest hydrocarbon, consisting of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms, and has the chemical formula CH4. Methane is highly flammable and burns in the presence of oxygen, releasing carbon dioxide and water vapor. It is produced naturally through the decomposition of organic matter by bacteria in environments with little or no oxygen, such as swamps, marshes, and landfills. Methane is also produced by livestock, such as cows, as a byproduct of their digestive process. It is considered a greenhouse gas and a major contributor to climate change due to its ability to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. Methane is widely used as a fuel for heating and cooking, as well as in industrial processes and electricity generation.
Methane is a colorless and odorless gas that is the primary component of natural gas. It is formed from the decay of organic matter and is a potent greenhouse gas.
