Name the simplest hydrocarbon.

The simplest hydrocarbon is **methane**, which has the chemical formula \( \text{CH}_4 \).

### Explanation:

1. **Definition of Hydrocarbons**: Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They can be classified into different categories based on their structure, such as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.

2. **Alkanes**: Methane is classified as an alkane, which is a type of hydrocarbon that contains only single bonds between carbon atoms. The general formula for alkanes is \( \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+2} \), where \( n \) is the number of carbon atoms.

3. **Structure of Methane**: Methane consists of one carbon atom (C) bonded to four hydrogen atoms (H). This arrangement gives it a tetrahedral shape, with bond angles of approximately 109.5 degrees.

4. **Significance**: Methane is the primary component of natural gas and is a crucial fuel source and energy carrier. It is also produced by biological processes, such as the decay of organic matter.

### Summary
- **Simplest Hydrocarbon**: Methane (\( \text{CH}_4 \))
- **Structure**: One carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms.
- **Type**: Alkane (single bonds between carbon atoms).