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

₹0.0

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

Options:

Correct Answer: Tetrahedral

Exam Year: 2023

Solution:

Methane (CH4) has a tetrahedral shape due to the four pairs of bonding electrons around the central carbon atom.

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.

No concepts available.