# Methane (CH₄) is a simple molecular substance. Explain why methane is a gas at room temperature and does not conduct electricity in any state.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 2.5 Simple molecules and covalent bonds · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Methane has weak intermolecular forces between molecules
2. Little energy is needed to overcome these intermolecular forces, so methane has a low boiling point and is a gas at room temperature
3. Methane molecules have no overall charge / are not charged particles
4. There are no free electrons or ions to carry charge / no mobile charge carriers in any state

## Key terms

- [simple molecular substance](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/simple-molecular-substance)
- [conduct electricity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/conduct-electricity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/methane-ch-is-a-simple-molecular-d32f662a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.