To determine if Methane CH4 is an element or compound we first have to understand the chemical composition of the substance.
In this case methane is made up of a Carbon atom bonded to four Hydrogen atoms.
Second we need to know the definition for elements and compounds.
Elements
One type of atom.
All elements 118 found on Periodic Table.
Can be chemically bonded to each other.
Examples: Na Fe He Au C
Compounds
Two or more different types of atoms.
Billions of different compounds are possible.
Atoms in compounds are chemically bonded.
Examples: NaCl MgBr2 H2O C6H12O6
Since Methane is made up of more than one type of atom chemically bonded together it is considered a compound.
As a compound it is made up of the element C and the element H.
Learning Resources:
Elements vs.
Compounds:
Lewis Structures for Ionic Compounds:
Lewis Structures for Covalent Molecules:
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