What is the hybridization of the central atom in methane (CH4)?

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Question: What is the hybridization of the central atom in methane (CH4)?

Options:

Correct Answer: sp3

Solution:

The central carbon atom in methane undergoes sp3 hybridization, forming four equivalent sp3 hybrid orbitals.

What is the hybridization of the central atom in methane (CH4)?

What is the hybridization of the central atom in methane (CH4)?

Step 1: Identify the central atom in methane (CH4). The central atom is carbon (C).
Step 2: Determine the number of bonds the central carbon atom forms. In methane, carbon forms four bonds with four hydrogen atoms.
Step 3: Understand that hybridization involves mixing atomic orbitals to create new hybrid orbitals. Carbon has one 2s and three 2p orbitals.
Step 4: Since carbon forms four bonds, it needs four equivalent orbitals. This means it will hybridize its orbitals.
Step 5: The carbon atom mixes one 2s orbital and three 2p orbitals to create four equivalent sp3 hybrid orbitals.
Step 6: Conclude that the hybridization of the central carbon atom in methane (CH4) is sp3.

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