Engineering

 

Atoms exist all around us, whether it be in living things, or in inanimate objects. They are the basic building blocks of life. However, an atom comprises of a proton, neutron and electron. Protons are positively charged sub-atomic particles, electrons are negatively charged and neutrons have no charge. Atoms can also combine with compatible atoms, to form molecules. Molecules can either just comprise of an element, one type of atom, or a compound, multiple types of atoms. A common molecule found in the air is methane. Methane is an green house gas that is the seventh most prevalent gas in the ozone layer. Methane is used for heat and light, utilising its flammability. Methane comprises of Carbon and Hydrogen. But how do we actually identify methane in the air? Well there are two ways; the composition and structure, and the characteristics.