Methana (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) molecules consist of four hydrogen atoms bonded to a central carbon atom. These bonds are known as covalent bonds. Each atom requires a complete valence shell, containing eight electrons, to attain stability. Carbon has four valence electrons while hydrogen has one. Since carbon desires to achieve stability by completing its valence shell, it bonds with four hydrogen atoms, contributing one electron to each hydrogen atom's valence shell. Such bonding satisfies the octet rule for both carbon and hydrogen, resulting in a stable methane molecule.
Methane (CH4) possesses covalent bonds. Covalent bonds occur when atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. In methane, carbon has four valence electrons, and hydrogen has one valence electron. Carbon requires four additional electrons to achieve a stable octet, while hydrogen needs one. Carbon readily forms four covalent bonds with hydrogen to fulfill its electron needs, resulting in a stable molecule. This bonding occurs as carbon's relatively low electronegativity allows it to attract electrons from hydrogen, facilitating the sharing of electrons.
Methane (CH4) has covalent bonds. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms. In the case of methane, carbon has four valence electrons, while hydrogen has one valence electron. To achieve a stable electron configuration, carbon needs four more electrons, and hydrogen needs one more electron. By sharing one electron from each hydrogen atom, carbon can complete its valence shell and achieve stability, while each hydrogen atom also gains an additional electron, fulfilling its electron requirement. This sharing of electrons forms the covalent bond in methane. This arrangement is driven by the electronegativity difference between carbon and hydrogen, with carbon being less electronegative, allowing it to form bonds by sharing electrons.
