Choose the type of shape that best matches to CH4.
Linear
Trigonal planar
Bent
Tetrahedral
Pyramidal
Tetrahedral, due to the hybridization of the s and three p oribitals of the C
To determine the best type of shape that matches to CH4, we need to consider its molecular geometry. The molecular formula CH4 represents a molecule of methane.
To determine the shape, we can use VSEPR theory. VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory predicts the shape of a molecule based on the arrangement of its atoms and the lone pairs of electrons around the central atom.
In the case of methane (CH4), the central atom is carbon (C), and there are four hydrogen (H) atoms attached to it. Carbon has four valence electrons, and each hydrogen atom contributes one valence electron.
Since all the bonds in CH4 are formed by sharing electrons, there are no lone pairs of electrons on the central carbon atom. Based on VSEPR theory, when a central atom has no lone pairs and four bonding pairs, the molecular geometry will be tetrahedral.
Therefore, the best type of shape that matches to CH4 is tetrahedral.