Methane Molecule Structure and Properties

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Questions and Answers

What is the molecular geometry of a methane molecule?

Tetrahedral (correct)

Trigonal planar

Octahedral

Linear

What is a characteristic of methane due to its non-polar nature?

High solubility in polar solvents

Relatively inert and unreactive with other nonpolar molecules (correct)

High reactivity with other nonpolar molecules

Ability to form strong bonds with other molecules

What is the role of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) in catalytic reactions?

To facilitate the release of reactive oxygen species (correct)

To inhibit the oxidation of pollutants

To convert pollutants into more harmful compounds

To promote the reduction of pollutants

What is the result of the oxidation reactions facilitated by vanadium pentoxide (V2O5)?

The conversion of pollutants into less harmful or inert compounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of adding butane to propane to form liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)?

It increases the energy density of the LPG Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)?

Fuel for grilling stoves and space heaters Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following molecules is non-polar?

CH4 Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of methane that makes it a clean-burning fuel?

Clean-burning properties Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

To provide the primary sources of energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of lipids?

Fatty acids Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of consuming healthy sources of lipids?

To maintain a balanced diet Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of nucleic acids in living organisms?

To store and transmit genetic information Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic unit of lipids?

Fatty acids Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of lipids?

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of consuming foods rich in carbohydrates?

To provide energy for living organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic unit of nucleic acids?

Nucleotide monomers Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason why PVC is used in construction?

It is highly resistant to combustion and weathering Signup and view all the answers

What are proteins important for in the human body?

Providing essential amino acids Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Storing energy for living organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of lipids in organisms?

Storing energy for living organisms Signup and view all the answers

What contains the genetic instructions necessary for the development of living organisms?

DNA Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of PVC that makes it useful in construction?

It is highly resistant to combustion and weathering Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when consuming lipids?

Focusing on consuming healthy sources of fats Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of metabolizing carbohydrates through cellular respiration?

The production of ATP Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Practical Applications

Methane (CH4) has a tetrahedral molecular geometry with a central carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms, contributing to its non-polar nature and symmetrical structure.
Methane is widely used as a fuel source for heating and electricity generation due to its abundance and clean-burning properties.

Catalyst Applications

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) has a trigonal planar molecular geometry, facilitating the release of reactive oxygen species during catalytic reactions.
V2O5 is commonly used as a catalyst to promote the oxidation of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NO) and sulfur dioxide (SO2).
By transferring oxygen atoms to the pollutant molecules, V2O5 facilitates oxidation reactions that convert the pollutants into less harmful or inert compounds.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

Butane is often combined with propane to form LPG, which is commonly used as a fuel for various applications such as grilling stoves, cigarette lighters, torches, and space heaters.
Adding butane to the propane mixture enhances the energy density of the LPG, providing more energy when burned.

Biomolecules

Carbohydrates are the primary sources of energy for living organisms.
Lipids are composed mainly of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O), with a lower proportion of oxygen compared to carbohydrates.
The basic unit of lipids is a fatty acid, consisting of a long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) at one end.
Fats and oils serve as efficient energy storage molecules in organisms.
Nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA, store and transmit genetic information in living organisms.
Nucleic acids are polymers composed of nucleotide monomers.

Polymers and Biomolecules

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is utilized in construction for pipes, window frames, flooring, and siding due to its durability, weather resistance, and flame retardancy.

Macronutrients

Proteins are macronutrients found abundantly in foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts.
These food groups are important sources of essential amino acids, which the body cannot synthesize on its own and must obtain from the diet.