Question

In an open dump, methane is created as wastes break down. Which of the following statements about methane is accurate?

a) Methane is a greenhouse gas
b) Methane is odorless
c) Methane is beneficial for the environment
d) Methane is a solid

Answer 1

The accurate statement about methane is that it is a greenhouse gas, which is harmful to the environment as it contributes to global warming. Methane is also odorless and a gas, not a solid.

Step-by-step explanation:

In an open dump, methane is created as waste materials break down, leading to the release of methane gas into the atmosphere. The statement that is accurate about methane is that a) Methane is a greenhouse gas. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, stronger than carbon dioxide on a per-molecule basis in the short term, contributing significantly to global warming. Methane is indeed odorless in its pure form, which is why, for safety, an odorant is often added to commercial natural gas, which is mostly methane, so that leaks can be detected. Although it can be beneficial when captured and used as a source of energy, overall, its effect in the atmosphere is detrimental to the environment due to its role in climate change. Lastly, methane is not a solid; it is a gas under standard atmospheric conditions.