In a pure sample of CH₄, which of the following statements is correct?

• A. Each molecule contains two carbon atoms and two hydrogen atoms.
• B. Each molecule contains four carbon atoms and one hydrogen atom.
• C. Each molecule contains one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
• D. Each molecule contains one carbon atom and two hydrogen atoms.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the molecular formula of methane (CH₄), which indicates the number of atoms of each element in one molecule.
2. The subscript after each element symbol shows how many atoms of that element are present in one molecule. For CH₄, the subscript '4' after H means there are four hydrogen atoms.
3. Since there is no subscript after C, it means there is exactly one carbon atom in each molecule.
4. Therefore, each molecule of methane contains one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
5. Compare this understanding with the given options to identify the correct statement.