Final answer:
A methane molecule (CH₄) is made up of five atoms: one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
A molecule of methane (CH₄) consists of five atoms: one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. The molecular formula of methane indicates this composition where 'C' stands for carbon and 'H4' denotes the four hydrogen atoms. The carbon atom is at the center of a tetrahedral structure with the hydrogen atoms occupying the corners. Each hydrogen atom is bonded to the central carbon atom through a single covalent bond. Thus, when tallying up the atoms, we count one carbon atom plus the four hydrogen atoms, resulting in a total of five atoms within a methane molecule.