Methane is converted into formaldehyde. What is the ratio of molecular weight to equivalent weight of Methane?

Answer

To find the ratio of molecular weight to equivalent weight of methane (CH₄), we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Determine the Molecular Weight of Methane
The molecular weight of methane (CH₄) can be calculated using the atomic weights of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H).

- Atomic weight of Carbon (C) = 12 g/mol
- Atomic weight of Hydrogen (H) = 1 g/mol

Molecular weight of CH₄ = (1 × Atomic weight of C) + (4 × Atomic weight of H)
= (1 × 12) + (4 × 1)
= 12 + 4
= 16 g/mol

### Step 2: Determine the Oxidation State of Carbon in Methane
To find the equivalent weight, we first need to determine the oxidation state of carbon in methane.

Let the oxidation state of carbon be \( x \).
The equation for the oxidation state is:
\[ x + 4(+1) = 0 \]
\[ x + 4 = 0 \]
\[ x = -4 \]

So, the oxidation state of carbon in methane is -4.

### Step 3: Determine the Oxidation State of Carbon in Formaldehyde
Next, we will find the oxidation state of carbon in formaldehyde (HCHO).

Let the oxidation state of carbon in formaldehyde be \( y \).
The equation for the oxidation state is:
\[ y + 2(+1) + (-2) = 0 \]
\[ y + 2 - 2 = 0 \]
\[ y = 0 \]

So, the oxidation state of carbon in formaldehyde is 0.

### Step 4: Calculate the Change in Oxidation State
The change in oxidation state from methane to formaldehyde is:
\[ \text{Change} = 0 - (-4) = 4 \]

### Step 5: Determine the N Factor
The n-factor for methane in this reaction is equal to the change in oxidation state, which is 4.

### Step 6: Calculate the Equivalent Weight of Methane
The equivalent weight (EW) can be calculated using the formula:
\[ \text{EW} = \frac{\text{Molecular Weight}}{\text{N Factor}} \]

Substituting the values:
\[ \text{EW} = \frac{16 \, \text{g/mol}}{4} = 4 \, \text{g/equiv} \]

### Step 7: Calculate the Ratio of Molecular Weight to Equivalent Weight
Now, we can find the ratio of molecular weight to equivalent weight:
\[ \text{Ratio} = \frac{\text{Molecular Weight}}{\text{Equivalent Weight}} = \frac{16 \, \text{g/mol}}{4 \, \text{g/equiv}} = 4 \]

### Final Answer
The ratio of molecular weight to equivalent weight of methane is **4**.

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