Solid `CH_4` is

Options

A. ionic solid
B. covalent solid
C. molecular solid
D. does not exist

Explanation

To determine what type of solid solid CH₄ (methane) is, we can analyze the bonding and structure of the compound step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Nature of CH₄**:
- CH₄ is methane, which consists of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms. The bonding within the methane molecule is covalent.

**Hint**: Look at the molecular structure to understand the type of bonds present.

2. **Determine the Type of Solid**:
- Solids can generally be classified into three main types: ionic solids, covalent solids, and molecular solids.
- Ionic solids are formed from the electrostatic attraction between ions, while covalent solids consist of atoms bonded by covalent bonds.

**Hint**: Recall the characteristics of ionic and covalent solids.

3. **Analyze Ionic Solids**:
- Ionic solids, such as NaCl, consist of positively and negatively charged ions held together by strong electrostatic forces. Since CH₄ does not consist of ions, it cannot be classified as an ionic solid.

**Hint**: Consider the presence of charged particles in ionic solids.

4. **Analyze Covalent Solids**:
- Covalent solids, like diamond or graphite, consist of atoms bonded together by covalent bonds in a network. CH₄ does not form a network solid; instead, it exists as discrete molecules.

**Hint**: Think about whether the solid has a continuous network or individual molecules.

5. **Identify Molecular Solids**:
- Molecular solids are composed of molecules held together by intermolecular forces (like van der Waals forces). In the case of solid CH₄, the molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces due to its non-polar nature.

**Hint**: Remember that molecular solids are characterized by the presence of discrete molecules.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Since solid CH₄ consists of individual methane molecules held together by van der Waals forces, it is classified as a molecular solid.

**Final Answer**: Solid CH₄ is a molecular solid.