What is the shape of the methane (CH4) molecule? (2023)

What is the shape of the methane (CH4) molecule? (2023)

Step 1: Identify the central atom in the methane molecule, which is carbon (C).
Step 2: Count the number of hydrogen (H) atoms bonded to the carbon atom. There are four hydrogen atoms.
Step 3: Recognize that each hydrogen atom forms a bond with the carbon atom, creating four pairs of bonding electrons.
Step 4: Understand that these four pairs of bonding electrons repel each other and arrange themselves as far apart as possible.
Step 5: Visualize the arrangement of the four hydrogen atoms around the carbon atom. They form a three-dimensional shape.
Step 6: Conclude that the shape formed is a tetrahedron, which is a three-dimensional shape with four triangular faces.

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