To determine what methane (CH₄) and butane (C₄H₁₀) have in common, we need to analyze their chemical compositions.
1. Methane (CH₄):
- Methane is composed of one carbon (C) atom and four hydrogen (H) atoms.
- Thus, its molecular formula is CH₄.
2. Butane (C₄H₁₀):
- Butane is composed of four carbon (C) atoms and ten hydrogen (H) atoms.
- Thus, its molecular formula is C₄H₁₀.
Let's consider the options provided in the question:
1. They contain both carbon and hydrogen.
- Methane contains one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
- Butane contains four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms.
- Both compounds clearly include both carbon (C) and hydrogen (H).
2. They contain only carbon.
- Methane (CH₄) includes hydrogen atoms in its structure, so it does not contain only carbon.
- Butane (C₄H₁₀) also contains hydrogen atoms and not just carbon.
3. They contain only hydrogen.
- Methane (CH₄) includes a carbon atom in its structure, so it does not contain only hydrogen.
- Butane (C₄H₁₀) also contains carbon atoms and not just hydrogen.
From this detailed analysis, it is evident that the common characteristic between methane (CH₄) and butane (C₄H₁₀) is:
They contain both carbon and hydrogen.
