Methane and Ethane are ------ than water

Options

A. Heavier
B. Lighter
C. Heavier or lighter
D. Methane is lighter and ethane is heavier

Answer

To solve the question "Methane and Ethane are ------ than water," we need to analyze the properties of methane and ethane in comparison to water.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Compounds**:
- Methane (CH₄) and Ethane (C₂H₆) are both aliphatic hydrocarbons. They are the simplest members of the alkane family.

2. **Density Comparison**:
- The density of water is approximately 1 g/cm³.
- The density of methane is about 0.656 g/cm³.
- The density of ethane is about 1.26 g/cm³.

3. **Analyzing Densities**:
- Since the density of methane (0.656 g/cm³) is less than that of water (1 g/cm³), methane is lighter than water.
- Ethane, with a density of 1.26 g/cm³, is actually heavier than water.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, we can conclude that methane is lighter than water, while ethane is heavier than water.
- The correct phrase to fill in the blank is: "Methane is lighter than water, and Ethane is heavier than water."

### Final Answer:
Methane and Ethane are **lighter than water** (for methane) and **heavier than water** (for ethane).