Word: Methane Series
Definition: The methane series refers to a group of organic compounds made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms. These compounds are known as saturated hydrocarbons, which means they have single bonds between the carbon atoms and are "saturated" with hydrogen. The general formula for the methane series is CnH(2n+2). This means that for every 'n' number of carbon atoms, there are '2n+2' hydrogen atoms.
Usage Instructions: You can use "methane series" when discussing chemistry, especially when talking about organic compounds and their structures. It is often used in scientific contexts.
Example Sentence: "Methane, the simplest compound in the methane series, is a common fuel source."
Advanced Usage: In more advanced discussions, you might encounter terms like "alkanes" or "paraffins," which refer to the same group of compounds as the methane series.
Word Variants: - Methane (the first compound in the series, with one carbon atom, CH₄) - Ethane (C2H6, two carbon atoms) - Propane (C3H8, three carbon atoms) - Butane (C4H10, four carbon atoms) - And so on, with each subsequent compound in the series being represented as CnH(2n+2).
Different Meaning: In everyday language, "methane" itself refers specifically to the first compound in the series, while "methane series" refers to the entire group of compounds.
Synonyms: - Alkanes (more general term for the entire series) - Saturated hydrocarbons
Idioms & Phrasal Verbs: There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "methane series," as it is primarily a scientific term. However, in a broader context, you might hear expressions related to energy or fuels when discussing methane, such as "fueling the fire" to refer to using fuels like methane for energy.
In summary, the methane series is an important concept in chemistry that helps categorize a group of organic compounds with specific chemical properties.