# Methane (CH₄) is the simplest hydrocarbon and is the main component of natural gas. Describe what is meant by the term 'hydrocarbon' and explain why methane is described as a non-renewable fuel.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 2.5 Hydrocarbons · Describe and Explain · 5 marks

> Natural gas is widely used as a fuel in homes and power stations. It is extracted from underground reservoirs that formed over millions of years.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. A hydrocarbon contains hydrogen and carbon only
2. Non-renewable means it cannot be replaced / replenished once used up
3. Methane / natural gas was formed from the remains of dead organisms (plants/animals/marine organisms)
4. It takes millions of years to form
5. It is being used up much faster than it can be formed / rate of use exceeds rate of formation

## Key terms

- [hydrocarbon](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/hydrocarbon)
- [non-renewable](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/non-renewable)
- [natural gas](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/natural-gas)
- [fuel](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/fuel)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/methane-ch-is-the-simplest-hydrocarbon-854de864) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.