To determine the number of hydrogen atoms in the compound [tex]\(4 \ CH_4\)[/tex], follow these steps:
1. Identify the molecule: The formula for methane is [tex]\(CH_4\)[/tex]. In one molecule of methane, there is [tex]\(1\)[/tex] carbon atom and [tex]\(4\)[/tex] hydrogen atoms.
2. Determine the number of hydrogen atoms per molecule: From the molecular formula [tex]\(CH_4\)[/tex], it is clear that one molecule of methane ([tex]\(CH_4\)[/tex]) contains [tex]\(4\)[/tex] hydrogen atoms.
3. Determine the total number of methane molecules: According to the problem, there are [tex]\(4\)[/tex] molecules of methane in the compound.
4. Calculate the total number of hydrogen atoms: Multiply the number of hydrogen atoms in one molecule of methane by the total number of methane molecules. This is:
[tex]\[
4 \text{ hydrogen atoms/molecule} \times 4 \text{ molecules} = 16 \text{ hydrogen atoms}
\][/tex]
Therefore, the total number of hydrogen atoms in the compound [tex]\(4 \ CH_4\)[/tex] is [tex]\(16\)[/tex].
