Determine the bond angle in a tetrahedral molecule like CH4.

Determine the bond angle in a tetrahedral molecule like CH4.

Step 1: Understand that a tetrahedral molecule has a central atom bonded to four other atoms.
Step 2: Recognize that the central atom in CH4 (methane) is carbon, which is bonded to four hydrogen atoms.
Step 3: Know that the four bonds (or electron pairs) around the carbon atom repel each other.
Step 4: Realize that to minimize this repulsion, the bonds arrange themselves as far apart as possible.
Step 5: Visualize or remember that this arrangement forms a three-dimensional shape called a tetrahedron.
Step 6: Learn that in a tetrahedral shape, the angles between the bonds are approximately 109.5 degrees.

Tetrahedral Geometry – In a tetrahedral molecule, four electron pairs are arranged around a central atom, leading to bond angles of approximately 109.5°.
VSEPR Theory – The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory explains the spatial arrangement of electron pairs to minimize repulsion.