metán

Metán, also known as methane, is a chemical compound with the formula CH₄. It is a colorless, odorless gas that is the simplest member of the alkane series of hydrocarbons. Methane is the primary component of natural gas, a common fuel source used for heating, cooking, and electricity generation.

Methane is produced both naturally and through human activities. Natural sources include wetlands, termites, and the digestion of food by ruminant animals. Human activities that generate methane include agriculture, particularly rice cultivation and livestock farming, as well as the decomposition of waste in landfills and the extraction and transportation of fossil fuels.

As a greenhouse gas, methane is significantly more potent than carbon dioxide, trapping heat in the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. It is estimated to be about 25 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat over a 100-year period. This has made methane a significant focus of efforts to mitigate climate change.

Methane is also used in various industrial processes, including the production of hydrogen, methanol, and other chemicals. It is a key component in the synthesis of materials such as plastics and synthetic fibers. Additionally, methane can be used as a fuel for vehicles, either in its pure form or as a component of compressed natural gas (CNG).

Despite its utility, methane's environmental impact, particularly its role in global warming, has led to increased efforts to reduce its emissions. Technologies such as methane capture and utilization, as well as improved agricultural practices, are being developed and implemented to mitigate the release of this potent greenhouse gas.