1. Determine the Molecular Formula of Methane:
* Methane's chemical formula is CH₄. This means each methane molecule has 1 carbon atom and 4 hydrogen atoms.
2. Count the Covalent Bonds in One Methane Molecule:
* Carbon forms four single covalent bonds with four hydrogen atoms.
3. Calculate the Number of Methane Molecules in 8 g:
* Find the molar mass of methane: 12.01 g/mol (C) + 4 * 1.01 g/mol (H) = 16.05 g/mol
* Calculate the number of moles: 8 g / 16.05 g/mol = 0.498 moles
* Use Avogadro's number to find the number of molecules: 0.498 moles * 6.022 x 10²³ molecules/mol ≈ 3.00 x 10²³ molecules
4. Calculate the Total Number of Covalent Bonds:
* Bonds per molecule: 4 bonds/molecule
* Total bonds: (3.00 x 10²³ molecules) * (4 bonds/molecule) = 1.20 x 10²⁴ covalent bonds
Therefore, there are approximately 1.20 x 10²⁴ covalent bonds in 8 g of methane.