Methane (CH4) is a gas that is found in small quantities in Earth's atmosphere. Which type of bonds does methane have, and why does one carbon atom bond with four hydrogen atoms? In three to five sentences, explain your answer in terms of valence electrons and electronegativity.
Methane (CH4) has covalent bonds. Covalent bonds are formed when atoms share electrons to achieve a full outer electron shell. Carbon has four valence electrons in its outer shell, and it needs four more electrons to complete its octet. Hydrogen, on the other hand, has one electron in its outer shell and requires one more to achieve a full shell. Carbon readily shares one electron with each of the four hydrogen atoms, forming four covalent bonds to satisfy the octet rule and complete the valence shells of both carbon and hydrogen. This bonding arrangement allows methane to be stable and maintain a tetrahedral shape.
Methane (CH4) has covalent bonds. Covalent bonds occur when two atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. In methane, carbon has four valence electrons and needs four more to complete its octet. Hydrogen has one valence electron and requires one more to achieve a stable configuration. Carbon, being more electronegative than hydrogen, can share its valence electrons with four hydrogen atoms, filling its own octet and satisfying the hydrogen atoms' electron needs simultaneously. This resulting shared electron configuration creates the stable methane molecule.
Methane (CH4) has covalent bonds. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms. In methane, carbon has four valence electrons, and hydrogen has one valence electron. Carbon needs four additional electrons to fill its outer shell, while hydrogen needs one electron. By bonding with four hydrogen atoms, carbon is able to share one electron from each hydrogen atom, thus fulfilling its octet. This arrangement allows for a stable molecule. The reason for this bonding is due to the electronegativity difference between carbon and hydrogen, as hydrogen has a relatively low electronegativity, making it willing to share its electrons with carbon.
